Novak Djokovic overcame an early scare to move into the third round of the US Open Wednesday but top women's seed Karolina Pliskova crashed out in the tournament's first shock.

Djokovic extended an undefeated run in 2020 to 25 matches&nbsp;as Pliskova was stunned in straight sets by France's Caroline Garcia, the world number 50.

World number one Djokovic dropped the first against Britain's Kyle Edmund but rallied to progress 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 inside a subdued, spectator-free Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows.

"I'm really glad having an early kind of tough match because it kind of serves me better I think for the rest of the tournament," said Djokovic.

The Serbian superstar is looking to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from Flushing Meadows, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record.

The 33-year-old -- who won an eighth Australian Open title in February -- is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Pliskova -- the 28-year-old world number three from the Czech Republic -- suffered a miserable 1-6, 6-7 exit to a confident Garcia who rushed to a 5-0 lead in the first set.

Pliskova said her defeat was nothing to do with being elevated to the top of the draw after a host of high-ranking withdrawals over coronavirus fears.

"No, zero pressure from this for me. This is nothing to do with my loss today," she sniffed.

Elsewhere in the men's draw Wednesday, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece defeated American Maxime Cressy 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 in his first runout on the famous Ashe court.

"It would have been even better with fans but getting a first taste of what it is was great for me," he said.

Earlier fifth seed Alexander Zverev defeated American wildcard Brandon Nakashima in a far from smooth 7-5, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3, 6-1 win.

The world number seven traded 24 aces with 10 double faults against a player ranked 223 inside an empty but and humid Louis Armstrong Stadium to move into round three.

"I was sweating through my shoes, which is unusual," said Zverev, explaining a footwear change during the match. "I needed to go from the dry tires to the wet tires a little bit."

Belgian seventh seed David Goffin also progressed as the top seeds continue to dominate at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

<h2>- Empty tank -</h2>

In the women's draw, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka sailed into the third round, dismantling Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-1, 6-2 in just 1hr 9min.

Sixth seed Petra Kvitova vanquished Kateryna Kozlova of Ukraine 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 while Germany's Angelique Kerber beat compatriot Anna-Lena Friedsam in straight sets.

The 17th seed won 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in one hour 40 minutes inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Also in the women's event, unseeded Russian Varvara Gracheva dumped out French 30th seed Kristina Mladenovic 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-0.

Mladenovic's exit came after a remarkable collapse. The Frenchwoman led 6-1, 5-1 and failed to convert four match points as Gracheva came roaring back to win.

"I just collapsed," a gloomy Mladenovic said afterwards. "I had nothing left in the tank."

The US Open is taking place in a spectator-free bubble, resulting in a staid atmosphere in contrast with the usual frenetic energy that pervades the grounds of the tennis center during Open week.

Game-winning points are being met with the odd clap from coaches and admiring glances from rival players watching from their own personal suites in Arthur Ashes.

Crowd noise is piped-in between sets while images of spectators cheering from their sofas at home are shown on "fan cams" around the Arthur Ashe court.

Novak Djokovic overcame an early scare to move into the third round of the US Open Wednesday but top women's seed Karolina Pliskova crashed out in the tournament's first shock.

Novak Djokovic overcame an early scare to move into the third round of the US Open Wednesday but top women's seed Karolina Pliskova crashed out in the tournament's first shock. Djokovic extended an undefeated run in 2020 to 25 matches as Pliskova was stunned in straight sets by France's Caroline Garcia, the world number 50. World number one Djokovic dropped the first against Britain's Kyle Edmund but rallied to progress 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 inside a subdued, spectator-free Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows. "I'm really glad having an early kind of tough match because it kind of serves me better I think for the rest of the tournament," said Djokovic. The Serbian superstar is looking to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from Flushing Meadows, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record. The 33-year-old -- who won an eighth Australian Open title in February -- is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20. Pliskova -- the 28-year-old world number three from the Czech Republic -- suffered a miserable 1-6, 6-7 exit to a confident Garcia who rushed to a 5-0 lead in the first set. Pliskova said her defeat was nothing to do with being elevated to the top of the draw after a host of high-ranking withdrawals over coronavirus fears. "No, zero pressure from this for me. This is nothing to do with my loss today," she sniffed. Elsewhere in the men's draw Wednesday, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece defeated American Maxime Cressy 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 in his first runout on the famous Ashe court. "It would have been even better with fans but getting a first taste of what it is was great for me," he said. Earlier fifth seed Alexander Zverev defeated American wildcard Brandon Nakashima in a far from smooth 7-5, 6-7 (8/10), 6-3, 6-1 win. The world number seven traded 24 aces with 10 double faults against a player ranked 223 inside an empty but and humid Louis Armstrong Stadium to move into round three. "I was sweating through my shoes, which is unusual," said Zverev, explaining a footwear change during the match. "I needed to go from the dry tires to the wet tires a little bit." Belgian seventh seed David Goffin also progressed as the top seeds continue to dominate at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. - Empty tank - In the women's draw, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka sailed into the third round, dismantling Italy's Camila Giorgi 6-1, 6-2 in just 1hr 9min. Sixth seed Petra Kvitova vanquished Kateryna Kozlova of Ukraine 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 while Germany's Angelique Kerber beat compatriot Anna-Lena Friedsam in straight sets. The 17th seed won 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in one hour 40 minutes inside Louis Armstrong Stadium. Also in the women's event, unseeded Russian Varvara Gracheva dumped out French 30th seed Kristina Mladenovic 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-0. Mladenovic's exit came after a remarkable collapse. The Frenchwoman led 6-1, 5-1 and failed to convert four match points as Gracheva came roaring back to win. "I just collapsed," a gloomy Mladenovic said afterwards. "I had nothing left in the tank." The US Open is taking place in a spectator-free bubble, resulting in a staid atmosphere in contrast with the usual frenetic energy that pervades the grounds of the tennis center during Open week. Game-winning points are being met with the odd clap from coaches and admiring glances from rival players watching from their own personal suites in Arthur Ashes. Crowd noise is piped-in between sets while images of spectators cheering from their sofas at home are shown on "fan cams" around the Arthur Ashe court.

Djokovic through as Pliskova crashes out of US Open

World number one Novak Djokovic takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund on Wednesday for a place in the third round of the behind-closed-doors US Open in New York.

The Serbian will go up against the unseeded Brit before an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium on day three at Flushing Meadows.

Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean US National Tennis Center.

He is looking to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record.

Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

"I had some really good matches against him in the past, Wimbledon, tough four-setter a few years ago," Djokovic said of Edmund following his straight-sets first-round win on Monday.

"He doesn't feel so much pressure I think playing on the big court. He actually likes the challenge. I have a lot of respect for him.&nbsp;

"He's a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game," Djokovic added.

Also Wednesday, the number one women's seed Karolina Pliskova does battle with France's Caroline Garcia.

Pliskova was propelled to the top of the draw by the decisions of world number one Ashleigh Barty and the second-ranked Simona Halep to skip the event because of coronavirus fears.

The US Open is taking place in a spectator-free bubble, resulting in a staid atmosphere in contrast with the usual frenetic energy that pervades the grounds of the tennis center during Open week.

Also Wednesday, Naomi Osaka, two-time Grad Slam winner and now passionate advocate for racial justice in America, returns to the court for a second-round matchup against Italy's lowly-ranked Camila Giorgi.

In the men's competition, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas plays US wild card Maxime Cressy for a spot in the third round.

World number one Novak Djokovic takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund on Wednesday for a place in the third round of the behind-closed-doors US Open in New York. The Serbian will go up against the unseeded Brit before an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium on day three at Flushing Meadows.

World number one Novak Djokovic takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund on Wednesday for a place in the third round of the behind-closed-doors US Open in New York. The Serbian will go up against the unseeded Brit before an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium on day three at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean US National Tennis Center. He is looking to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record. Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20. "I had some really good matches against him in the past, Wimbledon, tough four-setter a few years ago," Djokovic said of Edmund following his straight-sets first-round win on Monday. "He doesn't feel so much pressure I think playing on the big court. He actually likes the challenge. I have a lot of respect for him. "He's a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game," Djokovic added. Also Wednesday, the number one women's seed Karolina Pliskova does battle with France's Caroline Garcia. Pliskova was propelled to the top of the draw by the decisions of world number one Ashleigh Barty and the second-ranked Simona Halep to skip the event because of coronavirus fears. The US Open is taking place in a spectator-free bubble, resulting in a staid atmosphere in contrast with the usual frenetic energy that pervades the grounds of the tennis center during Open week. Also Wednesday, Naomi Osaka, two-time Grad Slam winner and now passionate advocate for racial justice in America, returns to the court for a second-round matchup against Italy's lowly-ranked Camila Giorgi. In the men's competition, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas plays US wild card Maxime Cressy for a spot in the third round.

Top seeds Djokovic, Pliskova headline US Open day three

Novak Djokovic said his own "intensity" powered him into the second round of a crowdless US Open Monday as he started his bid for an 18th Grand Slam off with a straight-sets win.

The Serbian superstar defeated unheralded Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in just under two hours at an eerily quiet Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The world number one took just 23 minutes to win the first set but labored to a narrow victory in the second before propelling himself into into round two with a convincing third.

"I came out, played really well the first set. Second set I lost my focus, kind of got stressed out a couple times, screamed," he told reporters.

"That's obviously still there, regardless of the empty stadium. But this is what I bring to the court. I bring a lot of intensity, energy. Sometimes my reactions may not be so positive, but I try to bounce back," he added.

Midway through the second set a clearly agitated Djokovic shouted in the direction of the stands at members of his team.

"Not the first time, probably not the last time," he said.&nbsp;

"I was frustrated with my game, with some of the shots that I was playing at that time. Just I guess channeled it out in that way.

"That's I guess not always the reaction that I want. As I said, that's kind of a game and kind of an intensity that I bring on the court. Sometimes these things happen."

Djokovic was also irked by a serve-clock rule that appeared quicker than at last week's tournament at the same venue.

"I&nbsp;was not aware of it. No one really brought it to my attention. The lack of communication is something that worries me once again," he moaned.

"We've played in the certain tempo, got used to it during the Western &amp; Southern tournament, which just ended two days ago.

"Two days later we have a different rule that was just not communicated to us. That's something that I found just not acceptable, not fair. But I guess I have to deal with it, and that's it."

The absence of defending champion Rafael Nadal and Swiss legend Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows gives Djokovic a prime opportunity to gain ground on his rivals in the chase for the all-time men's Grand Slam singles title record.

Djokovic currently has 17, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

The 33-year-old takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund in the second round at the US National Tennis Center.

"He does have a really good serve and forehand, two really big weapons," Djokovic said of Edmund, ranked 44th in the world.

"I have a lot of respect for him. He's a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game.

"I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20 without a doubt, where I expect him to be soon. So it's going to be a tough one," added the three-time US Open champion.

Novak Djokovic said his own "intensity" powered him into the second round of a crowdless US Open Monday as he started his bid for an 18th Grand Slam off with a straight-sets win.

Novak Djokovic said his own "intensity" powered him into the second round of a crowdless US Open Monday as he started his bid for an 18th Grand Slam off with a straight-sets win. The Serbian superstar defeated unheralded Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in just under two hours at an eerily quiet Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The world number one took just 23 minutes to win the first set but labored to a narrow victory in the second before propelling himself into into round two with a convincing third. "I came out, played really well the first set. Second set I lost my focus, kind of got stressed out a couple times, screamed," he told reporters. "That's obviously still there, regardless of the empty stadium. But this is what I bring to the court. I bring a lot of intensity, energy. Sometimes my reactions may not be so positive, but I try to bounce back," he added. Midway through the second set a clearly agitated Djokovic shouted in the direction of the stands at members of his team. "Not the first time, probably not the last time," he said. "I was frustrated with my game, with some of the shots that I was playing at that time. Just I guess channeled it out in that way. "That's I guess not always the reaction that I want. As I said, that's kind of a game and kind of an intensity that I bring on the court. Sometimes these things happen." Djokovic was also irked by a serve-clock rule that appeared quicker than at last week's tournament at the same venue. "I was not aware of it. No one really brought it to my attention. The lack of communication is something that worries me once again," he moaned. "We've played in the certain tempo, got used to it during the Western & Southern tournament, which just ended two days ago. "Two days later we have a different rule that was just not communicated to us. That's something that I found just not acceptable, not fair. But I guess I have to deal with it, and that's it." The absence of defending champion Rafael Nadal and Swiss legend Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows gives Djokovic a prime opportunity to gain ground on his rivals in the chase for the all-time men's Grand Slam singles title record. Djokovic currently has 17, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20. The 33-year-old takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund in the second round at the US National Tennis Center. "He does have a really good serve and forehand, two really big weapons," Djokovic said of Edmund, ranked 44th in the world. "I have a lot of respect for him. He's a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game. "I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20 without a doubt, where I expect him to be soon. So it's going to be a tough one," added the three-time US Open champion.

'Stressed out' Djokovic brings intensity to atmosphere-free US Open

Hot favourite to win the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic on Monday will start his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title as a newly-looked, spectator-free US Open 2020 gets underway in COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows.

The world number one headlines the opening day of tennis Grand Slam that promises to be an enthralling event despite missing several top players due to COVID-19 fears.

Djokovic will lock horns with Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the opening round of evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which generally is jam-packed 23,000 fans. However, this time around, only players, officials, and select media will be attending the event.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paire-removed-from-us-open-after-covid-19-positive-revealed-324201" hreflang="en">Paire removed from US Open after COVID-19 positive revealed</a>

"It is strange to see," said Djokovic, crediting his love of playing on the New York hardcourts to Ashe, which he described as "the most dynamic and explosive court" in the game.

"The circumstances are very unusual but we have to deal with it and try to embrace it," the Serbian superstar added.

The US Open 2020 will be the first Grand Slam of the coronavirus era and the first since Australian Open 2020, in January and February, after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire sporting world to a screeching halt.

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The men’s draw was pushed to the edge on the eve of the tournament on Sunday when Franche’s Benoit Paire was removed after he was tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Under New York state rules, any player that tests positive is immediately withdrawn and must self-isolate for at least 10 days.

Meanwhile, the absence of top players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer gives Djokovic a golden chance to gain some ground on his rivals.&nbsp;

Top seed and three-time US Open winner Djokovic -- who has won five of the past seven Grand Slam crowns -- has 17 slams, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Hot favourite to win the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic on Monday will start his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title as a newly-looked, spectator-free US Open 2020 gets underway in COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows.

Hot favourite to win the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic on Monday will start his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title as a newly-looked, spectator-free US Open 2020 gets underway in COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows. The world number one headlines the opening day of tennis Grand Slam that promises to be an enthralling event despite missing several top players due to COVID-19 fears. Djokovic will lock horns with Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the opening round of evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which generally is jam-packed 23,000 fans. However, this time around, only players, officials, and select media will be attending the event. ALSO READ: Paire removed from US Open after COVID-19 positive revealed "It is strange to see," said Djokovic, crediting his love of playing on the New York hardcourts to Ashe, which he described as "the most dynamic and explosive court" in the game. "The circumstances are very unusual but we have to deal with it and try to embrace it," the Serbian superstar added. The US Open 2020 will be the first Grand Slam of the coronavirus era and the first since Australian Open 2020, in January and February, after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire sporting world to a screeching halt. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: BCCI confirms 13 positive COVID-19 cases after initial rounds of testing The men’s draw was pushed to the edge on the eve of the tournament on Sunday when Franche’s Benoit Paire was removed after he was tested positive for COVID-19. Under New York state rules, any player that tests positive is immediately withdrawn and must self-isolate for at least 10 days. Meanwhile, the absence of top players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer gives Djokovic a golden chance to gain some ground on his rivals. Top seed and three-time US Open winner Djokovic -- who has won five of the past seven Grand Slam crowns -- has 17 slams, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Hot favourite Novak Djokovic in action on Day 1 of US Open 2020

World number one Novak Djokovic's path to a 2020 US Open title could include a semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev under the tournament draw unveiled Thursday.

The 33-year-old Serbian star, a 17-time Grand Slam winner who has captured five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns, begins his quest for a fourth US Open title against Bosnia and Herzegovina's 107th-ranked Damir Dzumhur.

Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets before falling in this year's Australian Open final, was placed on the opposite end of the bracket, setting up the possibility of a rematch in the championship match on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.

With fellow "Big Three" players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer absent, Djokovic has a prime chance to close the gap on his record rivals in a field of 128 that is missing several standouts.

Swiss legend Federer, who is injured, owns a record 20 men's Grand Slam titles with Spaniard Nadal, the 2019 US Open winner, next on 19.

The tournament begins Monday in a spectator-less quarantine bubble at the US National Tennis Center in New York, with COVID-19 testing and other measures designed to safeguard players from the deadly virus that forced Wimbledon to be called off.

Djokovic would meet either Britain's Kyle Edmund or Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the second round with US 16th seed John Isner a potential fourth-round foe. His highest-ranked possible quarter-final opponent would be Belgian seventh seed David Goffin.

The other draw quarter in the upper half of the men's bracket has Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas and Germany's fifth-seeded Zverev as possible quarter-final opponents. Each young star is chasing a first Slam crown.

Tsitsipas plays his first match against Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas while Zverev launches his title bid against South African Kevin Anderson.

Thiem opens against Spain's Jaume Munar and has a possible third-round encounter with former US Open winner Marin Cilic.

Another former US Open winner, Britain's Andy Murray, is also in Thiem's quarter of the draw. The Scotsman opens against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka with Canadian 15th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime a possible second-round opponent.

Also on the bottom half of the draw, Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, last year's US Open runner-up, opens against Argentina's Federico Delbonis.

The highest-seeded foe in Medvedev's quarter of the draw is Italian sixth seed Matteo Berrettini, whose first opponent will be Japan's Go Soeda.

World number one Novak Djokovic's path to a 2020 US Open title could include a semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev under the tournament draw unveiled Thursday.

World number one Novak Djokovic's path to a 2020 US Open title could include a semi-final against Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev under the tournament draw unveiled Thursday. The 33-year-old Serbian star, a 17-time Grand Slam winner who has captured five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns, begins his quest for a fourth US Open title against Bosnia and Herzegovina's 107th-ranked Damir Dzumhur. Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem, who pushed Djokovic to five sets before falling in this year's Australian Open final, was placed on the opposite end of the bracket, setting up the possibility of a rematch in the championship match on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts. With fellow "Big Three" players Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer absent, Djokovic has a prime chance to close the gap on his record rivals in a field of 128 that is missing several standouts. Swiss legend Federer, who is injured, owns a record 20 men's Grand Slam titles with Spaniard Nadal, the 2019 US Open winner, next on 19. The tournament begins Monday in a spectator-less quarantine bubble at the US National Tennis Center in New York, with COVID-19 testing and other measures designed to safeguard players from the deadly virus that forced Wimbledon to be called off. Djokovic would meet either Britain's Kyle Edmund or Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the second round with US 16th seed John Isner a potential fourth-round foe. His highest-ranked possible quarter-final opponent would be Belgian seventh seed David Goffin. The other draw quarter in the upper half of the men's bracket has Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas and Germany's fifth-seeded Zverev as possible quarter-final opponents. Each young star is chasing a first Slam crown. Tsitsipas plays his first match against Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas while Zverev launches his title bid against South African Kevin Anderson. Thiem opens against Spain's Jaume Munar and has a possible third-round encounter with former US Open winner Marin Cilic. Another former US Open winner, Britain's Andy Murray, is also in Thiem's quarter of the draw. The Scotsman opens against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka with Canadian 15th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime a possible second-round opponent. Also on the bottom half of the draw, Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, last year's US Open runner-up, opens against Argentina's Federico Delbonis. The highest-seeded foe in Medvedev's quarter of the draw is Italian sixth seed Matteo Berrettini, whose first opponent will be Japan's Go Soeda.

Djokovic could face Zverev in semis, Thiem in US Open final

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday underwent a third surgery on the right knee he broke at the 2018 Shanghai Masters and found immediate sympathy from world number one Novak Djokovic.

The 31-year-old Argentine giant has now had seven major operations in a career which promised so much when he swept to his first and only Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open.

"In recent months, Delpo followed his doctors' advice and even tested the knee on a tennis court in Buenos Aires, but the pain persisted," said a spokesman.

"After their first meeting in Bern, Switzerland, (his surgeon) recommended a new surgery."

Del Potro, a former world number three but now down at 132 in the rankings, hasn't played since Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon in 2019.

As well as three knee operations, he had surgery on his right wrist in 2010 and three procedures on his left wrist in March 2014, January 2015 and June 2015.

Djokovic, whose 20-match rivalry with Del Potro stretches back 13 years, said he hoped to see the Argentine, a winner of 22 career titles, make a full recovery.

"I love and I support him and I send him my best wishes," said Djokovic after making the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open in New York.

"He's probably one of the most unfortunate tennis players I have known with injuries. The quality of tennis that he possesses, it's really unfortunate to see him struggle so much.

"His fighting spirit and resilience to come back is something that's very inspiring. He's a gentle giant, a very likeable guy. I hope to see him soon."

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday underwent a third surgery on the right knee he broke at the 2018 Shanghai Masters and found immediate sympathy from world number one Novak Djokovic.

Injury-plagued Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday underwent a third surgery on the right knee he broke at the 2018 Shanghai Masters and found immediate sympathy from world number one Novak Djokovic. The 31-year-old Argentine giant has now had seven major operations in a career which promised so much when he swept to his first and only Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open. "In recent months, Delpo followed his doctors' advice and even tested the knee on a tennis court in Buenos Aires, but the pain persisted," said a spokesman. "After their first meeting in Bern, Switzerland, (his surgeon) recommended a new surgery." Del Potro, a former world number three but now down at 132 in the rankings, hasn't played since Queen's Club on the eve of Wimbledon in 2019. As well as three knee operations, he had surgery on his right wrist in 2010 and three procedures on his left wrist in March 2014, January 2015 and June 2015. Djokovic, whose 20-match rivalry with Del Potro stretches back 13 years, said he hoped to see the Argentine, a winner of 22 career titles, make a full recovery. "I love and I support him and I send him my best wishes," said Djokovic after making the semi-finals of the Western and Southern Open in New York. "He's probably one of the most unfortunate tennis players I have known with injuries. The quality of tennis that he possesses, it's really unfortunate to see him struggle so much. "His fighting spirit and resilience to come back is something that's very inspiring. He's a gentle giant, a very likeable guy. I hope to see him soon."

Djokovic 'love' for Del Potro after third knee surgery, seventh career operation

An out-of-gas Serena Williams crashed out of the Western &amp; Southern Open on Tuesday, losing in three sets to 13th seeded Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in New York.&nbsp;

The 23-time Grand Slam winner finished with a whimper at the end of the two-hour, 17-minute match as Sakkari clinched the victory with a backhand down the line that a dejected Williams just watched without making an effort to move.

At other points in the match, Williams flung her racket into the spectator-less stands and rebuked the chair umpire for slapping her with a time violation.

Sakkari, of Greece, advances to the quarter-finals of the no-spectator event where she will face Johanna Konta who cruised past Vera Zvonareva in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

The joint WTA and ATP tournament was moved from Cincinnati to New York where the same quarantine bubble will house the US Open starting on August 31.

It was the second straight two-hour-plus match for Williams who at 38 was trying to become the oldest winner of the event. She still holds the record, having won this event in 2015 at age 33.

Williams survived a scare in her opening match, prevailing in a two hour, 48-minute marathon over qualifier Arantxa Rus. It was her longest match since 2012.

"It is hard to play the way I have been playing and stay positive," Williams said. "To play nine hours in a week is too much. I don't usually play like that. It is all new for me."

Williams made seven double faults and won just 66 percent of her first serve points against Sakkari.&nbsp;

After losing the second set in a tiebreaker she tossed her racket over her shoulder into the empty stands behind her.

Williams, who has lost her cool at events in New York before, also admonished chair umpire, Aurelie Tourte of France, during a changeover for calling a time violation for slow play.

"I am walking all the way to get my towels... I mean, I am getting my own towels. That's not fair," said Williams.

"You didn't give me a warning. I am actually a really fast player. Next time you warn me. I'm done."

The ball people usually get the towels for the players but not in the COVID-19 bubble.

On the men's side, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his 20th straight match of 2020 with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory over Tennys Sandgren.

Djokovic, who captured the Australian Open in February, needed six match points to tough out the straight sets victory and reach the quarter-finals of the hardcourt tournament.

Djokovic breezed through the final game by winning four straight points, closing it out with a cross-court forehand winner to take it in 88 minutes on Tuesday.

"All in all it was a great performance," said Djokovic. "I felt better and played better than last night. I am going in a great direction."

American Sandgren, who is ranked 55th in the world, made the Serb work for the victory as he survived five match points in the ninth game of the second set.

Djokovic advances to the quarters where he will play German Jan-Lennard Struff, who defeated seventh seed David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

Djokovic had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, but did not appear to be bothered by the injury against Sandgren.

"The neck is doing well," he said.

Also on the men's side, hard-serving Canadian Milos Raonic routed Brit Andy Murray 6-2, 6-2 and third seeded Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, swept past Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-3.

In other women's action, fourth seeded Naomi Osaka rolled over Dayana Yastremska in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to advance.

Osaka, who is the only top 10 player left in the women's draw, clinched the victory when Yastremska was called for a foot fault while serving on match point.

Japan's Osaka blasted eight aces, won 83 percent of her first serve points and broke Yastremska's serve four times.

Osaka moves to the quarter-finals where she will face Anett Kontaveit, who defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3.

Yastremska, who at 20 was the youngest player left in the field, made six double faults and won just 38 percent of her second serves.

An out-of-gas Serena Williams crashed out of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday, losing in three sets to 13th seeded Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in New York.

An out-of-gas Serena Williams crashed out of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday, losing in three sets to 13th seeded Maria Sakkari 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 in New York. The 23-time Grand Slam winner finished with a whimper at the end of the two-hour, 17-minute match as Sakkari clinched the victory with a backhand down the line that a dejected Williams just watched without making an effort to move. At other points in the match, Williams flung her racket into the spectator-less stands and rebuked the chair umpire for slapping her with a time violation. Sakkari, of Greece, advances to the quarter-finals of the no-spectator event where she will face Johanna Konta who cruised past Vera Zvonareva in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. The joint WTA and ATP tournament was moved from Cincinnati to New York where the same quarantine bubble will house the US Open starting on August 31. It was the second straight two-hour-plus match for Williams who at 38 was trying to become the oldest winner of the event. She still holds the record, having won this event in 2015 at age 33. Williams survived a scare in her opening match, prevailing in a two hour, 48-minute marathon over qualifier Arantxa Rus. It was her longest match since 2012. "It is hard to play the way I have been playing and stay positive," Williams said. "To play nine hours in a week is too much. I don't usually play like that. It is all new for me." Williams made seven double faults and won just 66 percent of her first serve points against Sakkari. After losing the second set in a tiebreaker she tossed her racket over her shoulder into the empty stands behind her. Williams, who has lost her cool at events in New York before, also admonished chair umpire, Aurelie Tourte of France, during a changeover for calling a time violation for slow play. "I am walking all the way to get my towels... I mean, I am getting my own towels. That's not fair," said Williams. "You didn't give me a warning. I am actually a really fast player. Next time you warn me. I'm done." The ball people usually get the towels for the players but not in the COVID-19 bubble. On the men's side, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his 20th straight match of 2020 with a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 victory over Tennys Sandgren. Djokovic, who captured the Australian Open in February, needed six match points to tough out the straight sets victory and reach the quarter-finals of the hardcourt tournament. Djokovic breezed through the final game by winning four straight points, closing it out with a cross-court forehand winner to take it in 88 minutes on Tuesday. "All in all it was a great performance," said Djokovic. "I felt better and played better than last night. I am going in a great direction." American Sandgren, who is ranked 55th in the world, made the Serb work for the victory as he survived five match points in the ninth game of the second set. Djokovic advances to the quarters where he will play German Jan-Lennard Struff, who defeated seventh seed David Goffin 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Djokovic had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, but did not appear to be bothered by the injury against Sandgren. "The neck is doing well," he said. Also on the men's side, hard-serving Canadian Milos Raonic routed Brit Andy Murray 6-2, 6-2 and third seeded Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, swept past Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-3. In other women's action, fourth seeded Naomi Osaka rolled over Dayana Yastremska in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to advance. Osaka, who is the only top 10 player left in the women's draw, clinched the victory when Yastremska was called for a foot fault while serving on match point. Japan's Osaka blasted eight aces, won 83 percent of her first serve points and broke Yastremska's serve four times. Osaka moves to the quarter-finals where she will face Anett Kontaveit, who defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3. Yastremska, who at 20 was the youngest player left in the field, made six double faults and won just 38 percent of her second serves.

Flustered Williams crashes out, Djokovic reaches quarter-finals

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off neck pain to beat Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to reach the third round of the Western &amp; Southern Open.

The Serb star had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, and he had treatment during the match for a problem that seemed to bother him when he looked up at his service toss.

Twice down a break in the second set he was able to immediately break back both times, and he let out a roar when he broke Lithuania's Berankis for a 5-4 lead before calmly serving out the match.

In the round of 16 on Tuesday, Djokovic will face American Tennys Sandgren, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) winner over 15th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in this tournament moved from Cincinnati to New York and the same quarantine bubble that will house the US Open starting on August 31.

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off neck pain to beat Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to reach the third round of the Western & Southern Open. The Serb star had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, and he had treatment during the match for a problem that seemed to bother him when he looked up at his service toss.

World number one Novak Djokovic shook off neck pain to beat Ricardas Berankis 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to reach the third round of the Western & Southern Open. The Serb star had pulled out of doubles on Sunday with pain in his neck, and he had treatment during the match for a problem that seemed to bother him when he looked up at his service toss. Twice down a break in the second set he was able to immediately break back both times, and he let out a roar when he broke Lithuania's Berankis for a 5-4 lead before calmly serving out the match. In the round of 16 on Tuesday, Djokovic will face American Tennys Sandgren, a 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) winner over 15th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in this tournament moved from Cincinnati to New York and the same quarantine bubble that will house the US Open starting on August 31.

Djokovic shrugs off injury to win NY opener

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday withdrew from doubles event at the Western &amp; Southern Open in New York, citing neck pain. The Serbian ace was scheduled to open singles play on Monday versus qualifier Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania after first-round bye.&nbsp;

Djokovic had entered the doubles event with compatriot Filip KRajinovic but pulled out before the scheduled opener on Sunday against Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe of the United States.

Notably, the Western &amp; Southern Open is usually played in Cincinnati but this year, it is being held in Ney York inside a quarantine bubble at the US Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open 2020 will commence on August 31.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-comes-to-new-york-chasing-federers-slam-mark-322105" hreflang="en">Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark</a>

Djokovic won the title in Cincinnati in 2018 and went on to become the only player to win all nine of the ATP’s elite Masters 1000 tournaments. In 2019, he reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati.

The 33-year-old has won five of last seven men’s singles Grand Slam title and now sits three shy of Roger Federer’s record 20 with 17 Grand Slams to his name. However, Djokovic will be seen participating in the US Open 2020 and heads into the event as the hot favourite to lift the title.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-if-i-had-the-chance-to-organise-adria-tour-again-i-would-do-it-321982" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic: If I had the chance to organise Adria Tour again, I would do it</a>

Many big names, including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, Ash Barty among others have already pulled out of US Open 2020 citing health concerns amid COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas Roger Federer misses the tournament as he is still recovering from the knee surgery earlier in the year.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday withdrew from doubles event at the Western & Southern Open in New York, citing neck pain. The Serbian ace was scheduled to open singles play on Monday versus qualifier Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania after first-round bye.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday withdrew from doubles event at the Western & Southern Open in New York, citing neck pain. The Serbian ace was scheduled to open singles play on Monday versus qualifier Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania after first-round bye. Djokovic had entered the doubles event with compatriot Filip KRajinovic but pulled out before the scheduled opener on Sunday against Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe of the United States. Notably, the Western & Southern Open is usually played in Cincinnati but this year, it is being held in Ney York inside a quarantine bubble at the US Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open 2020 will commence on August 31. ALSO READ: Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark Djokovic won the title in Cincinnati in 2018 and went on to become the only player to win all nine of the ATP’s elite Masters 1000 tournaments. In 2019, he reached the semi-finals in Cincinnati. The 33-year-old has won five of last seven men’s singles Grand Slam title and now sits three shy of Roger Federer’s record 20 with 17 Grand Slams to his name. However, Djokovic will be seen participating in the US Open 2020 and heads into the event as the hot favourite to lift the title. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic: If I had the chance to organise Adria Tour again, I would do it Many big names, including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, Ash Barty among others have already pulled out of US Open 2020 citing health concerns amid COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas Roger Federer misses the tournament as he is still recovering from the knee surgery earlier in the year.

Novak Djokovic pulls out of doubles event in New York citing neck pain

World number one Novak Djokovic&nbsp;says he nearly skipped the US Open but plans to play the Grand Slam event despite COVID-19 concerns in part to chase tennis history.

Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, told the New York Times that trying to catch Roger Federer's men's record 20 Slam crowns was "of course" a major factor in his decision to play the Flushing Meadows fortnight that begins August 31.

"One of the reasons why I keep on playing professional tennis on this level is because I want to reach more heights in the tennis world," Djokovic told the newspaper.

The 33-year-old Serbian has won five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns but came to the New York hardcourts only after assurances from European officials that players returning from the US Open would not face a long quarantine before upcoming European events such as the French Open.

"I was very close to not coming," said Djokovic, who made the final decision less than a week before arriving. "There were a lot of uncertainties."

Djokovic is staying at a rental house in New York while most players are in a hotel as part of protocols to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out many of the year's events, including Wimbledon, and will prevent fans from attending the US Open.

"I want to play. I mean, that's why I'm here," Djokovic told the Times.&nbsp;

"I am personally not afraid of being in a risky, dangerous health situation for myself. If I felt that way, I most likely would not be here."

Federer, 39, is injured and Spain's Rafal Nadal, 34, is absent, the 2019 US Open champion and 19-time Grand Slam singles winner focusing on the upcoming clay season and a potential 13th crown on the Paris red clay.

Djokovic, who has topped the world rankings for 282 weeks, could overtake Federer's record of 310 weeks at number one by March and told the Times that is a major goal as well.

Having Djokovic chase a fourth US Open crown adds some prestige to an Slam that lacks many of the sport's biggest stars.

"I cannot say it's the main reason why I'm here, but it's one of the reasons," Djokovic said. "First of all, I have to think about myself and my health and my fitness and whether my team is OK to be here.

"Then I, of course, also felt responsible as a top player to be here. It's important for our sport to keep going."

<h2>- Djokovic defends Adria Tour -</h2>

Djokovic defended his decision to stage the Adria Tour charity series in June in Serbia and Croatia, which produced a cluster of coronavirus cases, including some among top players, with Djokovic positive and isolating, saying he only had mild symptoms.

"We tried to do something with the right intentions," Djokovic said. "Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently. But am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake?

"If I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again I would do it again."

Djokovic worries about putting anything into his body, including potentially a COVID-19 vaccine.

"If someone is forcing me to put something in my body, that I don't want, for me that's unacceptable," Djokovic told the Times.

"I am not against vaccination of any kind, because who am I to speak about vaccines when there are people that have been in the field of medicine and saving lives around the world?"

World number one Novak Djokovic says he nearly skipped the US Open but plans to play the Grand Slam event despite COVID-19 concerns in part to chase tennis history.

World number one Novak Djokovic says he nearly skipped the US Open but plans to play the Grand Slam event despite COVID-19 concerns in part to chase tennis history. Djokovic, a 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, told the New York Times that trying to catch Roger Federer's men's record 20 Slam crowns was "of course" a major factor in his decision to play the Flushing Meadows fortnight that begins August 31. "One of the reasons why I keep on playing professional tennis on this level is because I want to reach more heights in the tennis world," Djokovic told the newspaper. The 33-year-old Serbian has won five of the past seven men's singles Slam crowns but came to the New York hardcourts only after assurances from European officials that players returning from the US Open would not face a long quarantine before upcoming European events such as the French Open. "I was very close to not coming," said Djokovic, who made the final decision less than a week before arriving. "There were a lot of uncertainties." Djokovic is staying at a rental house in New York while most players are in a hotel as part of protocols to combat the COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out many of the year's events, including Wimbledon, and will prevent fans from attending the US Open. "I want to play. I mean, that's why I'm here," Djokovic told the Times. "I am personally not afraid of being in a risky, dangerous health situation for myself. If I felt that way, I most likely would not be here." Federer, 39, is injured and Spain's Rafal Nadal, 34, is absent, the 2019 US Open champion and 19-time Grand Slam singles winner focusing on the upcoming clay season and a potential 13th crown on the Paris red clay. Djokovic, who has topped the world rankings for 282 weeks, could overtake Federer's record of 310 weeks at number one by March and told the Times that is a major goal as well. Having Djokovic chase a fourth US Open crown adds some prestige to an Slam that lacks many of the sport's biggest stars. "I cannot say it's the main reason why I'm here, but it's one of the reasons," Djokovic said. "First of all, I have to think about myself and my health and my fitness and whether my team is OK to be here. "Then I, of course, also felt responsible as a top player to be here. It's important for our sport to keep going." - Djokovic defends Adria Tour - Djokovic defended his decision to stage the Adria Tour charity series in June in Serbia and Croatia, which produced a cluster of coronavirus cases, including some among top players, with Djokovic positive and isolating, saying he only had mild symptoms. "We tried to do something with the right intentions," Djokovic said. "Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently. But am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? "If I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again I would do it again." Djokovic worries about putting anything into his body, including potentially a COVID-19 vaccine. "If someone is forcing me to put something in my body, that I don't want, for me that's unacceptable," Djokovic told the Times. "I am not against vaccination of any kind, because who am I to speak about vaccines when there are people that have been in the field of medicine and saving lives around the world?"

Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would organise the ill-fated Adria Tour again provided an opportunity. The Serbian ace was central to widespread criticism when four players including himself tested positive for the COVID-19 after the exhibition event.&nbsp;

Djokovic and his brother had organized the Adria Tour in Serbia and Croatia amid the COVID-19 pandemic but faced backlash given the lack of social-distancing norms and other precautions.

The Serb was further hammered on social media after images and videos of participants partying after the event went viral on social media as Djokovic, Viktor Troicki, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric all tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

“We tried to do something with the right intentions. Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently, of course, but am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? I mean, OK, if this is the way, fine, I’ll accept it, because that’s the only thing I can do.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-2020-21-fixtures-when-do-the-big-six-lock-horns-321956" hreflang="en">Premier League 2020-21 fixtures: When do the 'Big Six' lock horns?</a>

"Whether it’s fair or not, you tell me, but I know that the intentions were right and correct, and if I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again,” Djokovic told the New York Times.

Djokovic, who is currently in New York for the impending US Open 2020, has avoided staying with other tennis players after confirming his participation in the Grand Slam tournament last week. Djokovic will even participate in the Western &amp; Southern Open at Flushing Meadows between August 22-28 followed by the US Open from August 31.

Djokovic, who recovered from COVID-19, further said he has done some additional tests before arriving in New York.&nbsp;

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“I’ve done a CT scan of my chest, and OK, everything is clear. I’ve done several tests since my negative test for the coronavirus as well before coming to New York.

"I’ve done my blood tests, my urine tests, my stool tests, everything that I possibly can. I’m obviously doing that prevention anyway but of course now more than ever because we don’t really know what we’re dealing with.

“I think this is a huge transformational phase for all of us on this planet, and I think maybe even the last wake-up call," Djokovic said. 
&nbsp;

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would organise the ill-fated Adria Tour again provided an opportunity. The Serbian ace was central to widespread criticism when four players including himself tested positive for the COVID-19 after the exhibition event.

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic said that he would organise the ill-fated Adria Tour again provided an opportunity. The Serbian ace was central to widespread criticism when four players including himself tested positive for the COVID-19 after the exhibition event. Djokovic and his brother had organized the Adria Tour in Serbia and Croatia amid the COVID-19 pandemic but faced backlash given the lack of social-distancing norms and other precautions. The Serb was further hammered on social media after images and videos of participants partying after the event went viral on social media as Djokovic, Viktor Troicki, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric all tested positive for the dreaded virus. “We tried to do something with the right intentions. Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently, of course, but am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? I mean, OK, if this is the way, fine, I’ll accept it, because that’s the only thing I can do. ALSO READ: Premier League 2020-21 fixtures: When do the 'Big Six' lock horns? "Whether it’s fair or not, you tell me, but I know that the intentions were right and correct, and if I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again,” Djokovic told the New York Times. Djokovic, who is currently in New York for the impending US Open 2020, has avoided staying with other tennis players after confirming his participation in the Grand Slam tournament last week. Djokovic will even participate in the Western & Southern Open at Flushing Meadows between August 22-28 followed by the US Open from August 31. Djokovic, who recovered from COVID-19, further said he has done some additional tests before arriving in New York. ALSO READ: England, Pakistan agree to revised start times for series finale “I’ve done a CT scan of my chest, and OK, everything is clear. I’ve done several tests since my negative test for the coronavirus as well before coming to New York. "I’ve done my blood tests, my urine tests, my stool tests, everything that I possibly can. I’m obviously doing that prevention anyway but of course now more than ever because we don’t really know what we’re dealing with. “I think this is a huge transformational phase for all of us on this planet, and I think maybe even the last wake-up call," Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic: If I had the chance to organise Adria Tour again, I would do it

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles.&nbsp;

The US Open 2020 has already been hit with withdrawals of some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. While WTA World no. one Ashleigh Barty has already confirmed that she won’t be participating in the Grand Slam this time, Nick Kyrgios and defending champions Rafael Nadal have also pulled out of the tournament citing health concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CincyTennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CincyTennis</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited 😃💪🏼 <a href="https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4">https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4</a> <a href="https://t.co/tg6rgwfFqm">pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm</a>
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1293876989514915840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, Djokovic had expressed his concerns about participating in US Open 2020 but finally made up his mind to play the Grand Slam in New York.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lexington-open-calm-serena-williams-makes-winning-return-319931" hreflang="en">Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return</a>

Djokovic was heavily criticized for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour after which several top players including Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The Adria Tour didn’t follow any social distancing guidelines while fans were also allowed to attend the event. However, after the fiasco, the Serb posted an heartfelt apology for organising the event.

The Western &amp; Southern Open will be played at Flushing Meadows from August 22-28 while the US Open begins on August 31. Both tournaments will be played without fans.

<h2>Here is the full statement from Novak Djokovic:</h2>

I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western &amp; Southern Open and US Open this year. 
It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited.

During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center.

I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY.

Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis.

I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field.

Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best. 
&nbsp;

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles.

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic on Thursday confirmed his participation in the Western and Southern Open along with US Open 2020 in New York later in August as the Serbian ace released an official statement on his social media handles. The US Open 2020 has already been hit with withdrawals of some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. While WTA World no. one Ashleigh Barty has already confirmed that she won’t be participating in the Grand Slam this time, Nick Kyrgios and defending champions Rafael Nadal have also pulled out of the tournament citing health concerns surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. I’m happy to confirm that I‘ll participate at #CincyTennis and #USOpen this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited 😃💪🏼 https://t.co/qgxSTHrKK4 pic.twitter.com/tg6rgwfFqm — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 13, 2020 × Earlier, Djokovic had expressed his concerns about participating in US Open 2020 but finally made up his mind to play the Grand Slam in New York. ALSO READ: Lexington Open: 'Calm' Serena Williams makes winning return Djokovic was heavily criticized for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour after which several top players including Djokovic himself tested positive for COVID-19. The Adria Tour didn’t follow any social distancing guidelines while fans were also allowed to attend the event. However, after the fiasco, the Serb posted an heartfelt apology for organising the event. The Western & Southern Open will be played at Flushing Meadows from August 22-28 while the US Open begins on August 31. Both tournaments will be played without fans. Here is the full statement from Novak Djokovic: I am happy to confirm that I will participate at the Western & Southern Open and US Open this year. It was not an easy decision to make with all the obstacles and challenges on many sides, but the prospect of competing again makes me really excited. During my career, I have played some of my best matches at the USTA Billie Jean King National tennis center. I am aware that this time around it will be very different with all the protocols and safety measures that are put in place to protect players and people of NY. Nevertheless, I have trained hard with my team and got my body in shape so I am ready to adapt to new conditions. I've done all the check-ups to make sure I am fully recovered and I am ready to get back on court fully committed to playing my best tennis. I respect and appreciate everyone taking time, effort, and energy to organize these two events for the tennis players to be able to go back to their working field. Unfortunately for the players and the game itself, the current situation is not allowing everyone to travel and compete at the same level of risk, and I hope the situation will change soon and we will all be back to doing what we love and do best.

Novak Djokovic confirms participation in US Open 2020 and Western & Southern Open

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has returned back to training after recovering from COVID-19. Boris Bosnjakovic, the head coach of Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade, took to social media platform Instagram to post photographs of the Serbian ace going about his business along with Filip Krajinovic.

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has returned back to training after recovering from COVID-19. Boris Bosnjakovic, the head coach of Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade, took to social media platform Instagram to post photographs of the Serbian ace going about his business along with Filip Krajinovic. Djokovic was one of the several players who had tested positive for coronavirus during the ill-fated Adria tour. The 17-time Grand Slam winner was central to widespread criticism for the lack of social distancing measures during the course of the event. ALSO READ: Blame me but leave Novak Djokovic alone: Serbian Prime Minister boris_bosnjakovic_professional's profile picture boris_bosnjakovic_professional 40 posts 430 followers 366 following Boris Bošnjaković NOVAK TENNIS CENTER Head Coach @novak.tennis.center www.novaktenniscenter.com POSTS IGTV TAGGED Instagram Search Search 3 subhayan_chakraborty's profile picture ABOUTHELPPRESSAPIJOBSPRIVACYTERMSLOCATIONSTOP ACCOUNTSHASHTAGSLANGUAGE English © 2020 INSTAGRAM FROM FACEBOOK Next boris_bosnjakovic_professional's profile picture boris_bosnjakovic_professional • Novak Tennis Center boris_bosnjakovic_professional's profile picture boris_bosnjakovic_professional No1e with our fitness guru Zoran Grbović and our coach Branislav Pralica 5d irina.leon5's profile picture irina.leon5 Wow👏👌👍🏼🙌🔥 4dReply irina.leon5's profile picture irina.leon5 Какие парни!!!🔥👏👍🏼🙌 4dReply 5 DAYS AGO Add a comment… View this post on Instagram No1e with our fitness guru Zoran Grbović and our coach Branislav Pralica A post shared by Boris Bošnjaković (@boris_bosnjakovic_professional) on Jul 16, 2020 at 1:30pm PDT Include caption By using this embed, you agree to Instagram's API Terms of Use . × ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world The Serb apologized for his decision to hold the event while announcing that he along with his girlfriend had tested positive for the dreaded virus. While many supported him for what they saw as unfair criticism, others including the likes of Nick Kyrgios slammed Djokovic and other participants for their behavior. "I knew Roger would step up to the plate when there were discussions on the prize money of the Grand Slams a while ago," French veteran Gilles Simon told L'Equipe. "But the impression I have is that we lost him on the way, that the representation of the players does not matter to him. If there is a voice that carries, it is his. View this post on Instagram Novak Djokovic & Filip Krajinović had a great practice today @novak.tennis.center @lacoste @headtennis_official @asics @krajinovic_filip #headtennis #lacostetennis #tennis #atp A post shared by Boris Bošnjaković (@boris_bosnjakovic_professional) on Jul 16, 2020 at 12:03pm PDT × "I see Djokovic like any human being, with his strengths and flaws. But with Roger Federer, we only talk about his strengths. With Novak a" only about his flaws. It would annoy everyone if Djokovic breaks Federer's records. It angers people that he (Djokovic) is so strong. "It can also be seen in the crowd, on the court, in the Australian Open final. The anger against Novak is a huge mistake. Much of the public doesn't consider him as (important as) Roger or Rafa (Nadal)."

Novak Djokovic back in training after COVID-19 recovery ahead of US Open

French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;organisers are taking every precaution to ensure the Grand Slam does not meet the same fate as Novak&nbsp;Djokovic's&nbsp;Adria Tour, which was abandoned after several players tested positive for COVID-19, tournament&nbsp;director&nbsp;Guy Forget has told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/strawberries-and-cream-wimbledon-thanks-londons-nhs-and-front-line-workers-for-their-efforts-310250" hreflang="en">'Strawberries and cream': Wimbledon thanks London's NHS and front-line workers for their efforts!</a>

Djokovic has come under fire after the charity&nbsp;event&nbsp;was played in front of packed crowds in Serbia and Croatia and saw players hugging at the net and posing for pictures together.

Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki have all tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;will allow up to 60% of the&nbsp;usual capacity inside the Roland Garros grounds when the rescheduled claycourt tournament starts on Sept. 27 and Forget said there was no chance of them repeating the mistakes of the Adria Tour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankas-kusal-mendis-granted-bail-over-deadly-accident-agrees-to-pay-1-million-in-compensation-311051" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis granted bail over deadly accident, agrees to pay 1 million in compensation</a>

"Maybe some people were overconfident there," Forget said by telephone.

"Luckily no one got hurt really bad but even a few cases is too much and we want to avoid that as much as we can.

"We want to reassure everyone that having people getting ill will be terrible for&nbsp;us. Let's be really careful, really cautious."

France began easing restrictions in May but has been reporting over 500 cases daily in recent days. Protective masks will be mandatory for anyone on the move inside Roland Garros and they will be recommended for those sitting courtside.

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;Tennis Federation (FFT) expect some 20,000 spectators a day during the early stages of the two-week tournament and about 10,000 per day on the final weekend.

Forget said a successful&nbsp;event&nbsp;needed to have some kind of a crowd.

"We all see soccer on television, it's wonderful but something is missing without the crowds," the former world No. 4 said.

"We are working closely with the administration, the government, to make sure we can provide some crowd while still following very strict security measures."

&nbsp;

MORE FLEXIBLE

The U.S.&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in New York, which is scheduled to start on Aug. 31, will have no spectators and operate under strict health protocols, including limiting the size of each player's entourage.

Forget said&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;organisers were not planning anything as strict and were even hoping to ease restrictions.

"Luckily things are a bit more flexible in Europe and in France, especially," he said. "Hopefully, what we're going to announce will probably be even more flexible than what we did."

The FFT drew heavy criticism in mid-March when it unilaterally moved the&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;to September from its scheduled May start amid the COVID-19 crisis, placing it in the middle of the hardcourt season.

Forget said he understood why some were unhappy about it but thought saving one of the most prestigious&nbsp;and lucrative tournaments in tennis was worth it.

"We're not going to celebrate or congratulate ourselves for the decision we took," the 55-year-old said.

"We thought it's a risk worth taking. Of course we'll make people unhappy.

"But in mid-October, if we're able to come together and we've been able to provide revenue for 600 people, I think we will be very satisfied as a federation and I as a former player."

Forget was reasonably confident the tournament would be a success but would not relax until after the men's final on Oct. 11.

"I don't want to shout 'victory' before the tournament actually happens," Forget said.

"As the tournament&nbsp;director&nbsp;I'll only be happy once the men's winner shakes the hand of the finalist.

"We will all together be able to say, we did it."

French Open organisers are taking every precaution to ensure the Grand Slam does not meet the same fate as Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour, which was abandoned after several players tested positive for COVID-19, tournament director Guy Forget has told Reuters.

French Open organisers are taking every precaution to ensure the Grand Slam does not meet the same fate as Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour, which was abandoned after several players tested positive for COVID-19, tournament director Guy Forget has told Reuters. Also read: 'Strawberries and cream': Wimbledon thanks London's NHS and front-line workers for their efforts! Djokovic has come under fire after the charity event was played in front of packed crowds in Serbia and Croatia and saw players hugging at the net and posing for pictures together. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki have all tested positive for the new coronavirus. The French Open will allow up to 60% of the usual capacity inside the Roland Garros grounds when the rescheduled claycourt tournament starts on Sept. 27 and Forget said there was no chance of them repeating the mistakes of the Adria Tour. Also read: Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis granted bail over deadly accident, agrees to pay 1 million in compensation "Maybe some people were overconfident there," Forget said by telephone. "Luckily no one got hurt really bad but even a few cases is too much and we want to avoid that as much as we can. "We want to reassure everyone that having people getting ill will be terrible for us. Let's be really careful, really cautious." France began easing restrictions in May but has been reporting over 500 cases daily in recent days. Protective masks will be mandatory for anyone on the move inside Roland Garros and they will be recommended for those sitting courtside. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) expect some 20,000 spectators a day during the early stages of the two-week tournament and about 10,000 per day on the final weekend. Forget said a successful event needed to have some kind of a crowd. "We all see soccer on television, it's wonderful but something is missing without the crowds," the former world No. 4 said. "We are working closely with the administration, the government, to make sure we can provide some crowd while still following very strict security measures." MORE FLEXIBLE The U.S. Open in New York, which is scheduled to start on Aug. 31, will have no spectators and operate under strict health protocols, including limiting the size of each player's entourage. Forget said French Open organisers were not planning anything as strict and were even hoping to ease restrictions. "Luckily things are a bit more flexible in Europe and in France, especially," he said. "Hopefully, what we're going to announce will probably be even more flexible than what we did." The FFT drew heavy criticism in mid-March when it unilaterally moved the French Open to September from its scheduled May start amid the COVID-19 crisis, placing it in the middle of the hardcourt season. Forget said he understood why some were unhappy about it but thought saving one of the most prestigious and lucrative tournaments in tennis was worth it. "We're not going to celebrate or congratulate ourselves for the decision we took," the 55-year-old said. "We thought it's a risk worth taking. Of course we'll make people unhappy. "But in mid-October, if we're able to come together and we've been able to provide revenue for 600 people, I think we will be very satisfied as a federation and I as a former player." Forget was reasonably confident the tournament would be a success but would not relax until after the men's final on Oct. 11. "I don't want to shout 'victory' before the tournament actually happens," Forget said. "As the tournament director I'll only be happy once the men's winner shakes the hand of the finalist. "We will all together be able to say, we did it."

Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, has donated more than 40,000 euros to a Serbian town hit hard by the pandemic. The 33-year-old Serbian ace donated the sum to Novi Pazar to help them battle the outbreak of the dreaded virus.

The Serbian town declared a state of emergency in late June due to the spread of coronavirus. Since restricting the first outbreak of the respiratory disease in early May, Serbia is witnessing a fresh surge with more than 200 cases daily as compared to around 50 a month back.&nbsp;

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Serbia was recently in the spotlight after allowing Djokovic to organise the ill-fated Adria Tour that started in Belgrade before cases of COVID-19 forced the organisers to call it off. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966">Apart from Djokovic</a>, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki – who partipated in the event tested positive.&nbsp;

While the event witnessed capacity crowd, there was no social distancing measures as players embraced across the net, played basketball and were spotted dancing in a nightclub in Belgrade. Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism following the Adria Tour.

The Serbian ace issued a heartfelt apology for organising the Adria Tour as the world no. one said he was “so deeply sorry” that the tournament “caused harm”. Djokovic’s wife Jelena also tested positive for the coronavirus.&nbsp;

While many tennis stars lashed out at Djokovic for organising the event, the Serbian has received backing, notably from Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blame-me-but-leave-novak-djokovic-alone-serbian-prime-minister-ana-brnabic-309985">Serbia Prime Minister Ana Brnabic</a>. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-reacts-as-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-posts-video-of-tennis-players-partying-after-adria-tour-307992">Nick Kyrgios is one of the tennis stars to have publicly criticized Djokovic.</a>

Meanwhile, Serbia has registered around 15,000 coronavirus cases and 281 deaths.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, has donated more than 40,000 euros to a Serbian town hit hard by the pandemic.

World no. one tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, has donated more than 40,000 euros to a Serbian town hit hard by the pandemic. The 33-year-old Serbian ace donated the sum to Novi Pazar to help them battle the outbreak of the dreaded virus. The Serbian town declared a state of emergency in late June due to the spread of coronavirus. Since restricting the first outbreak of the respiratory disease in early May, Serbia is witnessing a fresh surge with more than 200 cases daily as compared to around 50 a month back. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Serbia was recently in the spotlight after allowing Djokovic to organise the ill-fated Adria Tour that started in Belgrade before cases of COVID-19 forced the organisers to call it off. Apart from Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki – who partipated in the event tested positive. While the event witnessed capacity crowd, there was no social distancing measures as players embraced across the net, played basketball and were spotted dancing in a nightclub in Belgrade. Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism following the Adria Tour. The Serbian ace issued a heartfelt apology for organising the Adria Tour as the world no. one said he was “so deeply sorry” that the tournament “caused harm”. Djokovic’s wife Jelena also tested positive for the coronavirus. While many tennis stars lashed out at Djokovic for organising the event, the Serbian has received backing, notably from Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and Serbia Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. Nick Kyrgios is one of the tennis stars to have publicly criticized Djokovic. Meanwhile, Serbia has registered around 15,000 coronavirus cases and 281 deaths.

Novak Djokovic donates 40,000 Euros to Serbian town badly affected by COVID-19

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic's&nbsp;intentions in organising the ill-fated Adria Tour were good but the world number one could have applied a&nbsp;bit&nbsp;more&nbsp;common&nbsp;sense&nbsp;to how the exhibition&nbsp;event&nbsp;was run, former ATP players' council head&nbsp;Vijay&nbsp;Amritraj&nbsp;has told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blame-me-but-leave-novak-djokovic-alone-serbian-prime-minister-ana-brnabic-309985" hreflang="en">Blame me but leave Novak Djokovic alone: Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic</a>

The Serbian has faced fierce criticism after he, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki contracted COVID-19 following the charity&nbsp;event&nbsp;in Serbia and Croatia.

Indian&nbsp;Amritraj&nbsp;told Reuters that while the world number one's intentions were "absolutely correct", and that he had followed local government protocols, he should have went the extra mile to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.

"In hindsight, yes, obviously he could have taken a lot more precautions before running the&nbsp;event," the 66-year-old television pundit told Reuters by telephone from Los Angeles.

"In spite of certain local government mandates, I think it is critical to follow some&nbsp;common&nbsp;sense."

Djokovic has apologised and admitted it was probably "too soon" to run the&nbsp;event, which was played in front of packed stands in Belgrade.

Amritraj, who reached a career-high ranking of 18 and beat Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors in his playing career, thought the tournament would have been good for&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;as it would bring the sport back on television.

"As days progressed, I realised that they were going to put about 1,000 people in a stadium and I really didn't know how big the stadium was," he added.

"And later on ... after finding out that the&nbsp;event&nbsp;itself had pretty much a full house from the perspective of fans and none of this social distancing, masks, all of that were even in play, it became very much more of a concern."

Djokovic also heads up the players council on the ATP Tour and&nbsp;Amritraj, who held the same post for four terms from 1989, said it came with a "huge" responsibility.

"Same for Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal), whatever they say or do is going to have a&nbsp;great&nbsp;degree of influence over the sport worldwide and what people think," he added.

Amritraj&nbsp;said the Adria Tour debacle showed there should be no crowds if, as planned, the main circuits restart in August after a gap of five months.

"The crowd usually makes a huge difference," he said.

"Unfortunately you will lose that element of the match. It'll be pretty straightforward to see a spectacular point and there'll be no applause in the way.

"So that certainly will affect the players. But again, it's something that we have to get used to, and it's better than not having it at all."

Novak Djokovic's intentions in organising the ill-fated Adria Tour were good but the world number one could have applied a bit more common sense to how the exhibition event was run, former ATP players' council head Vijay Amritraj has told Reuters.

Novak Djokovic's intentions in organising the ill-fated Adria Tour were good but the world number one could have applied a bit more common sense to how the exhibition event was run, former ATP players' council head Vijay Amritraj has told Reuters. Also read: Blame me but leave Novak Djokovic alone: Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic The Serbian has faced fierce criticism after he, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki contracted COVID-19 following the charity event in Serbia and Croatia. Indian Amritraj told Reuters that while the world number one's intentions were "absolutely correct", and that he had followed local government protocols, he should have went the extra mile to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. "In hindsight, yes, obviously he could have taken a lot more precautions before running the event," the 66-year-old television pundit told Reuters by telephone from Los Angeles. "In spite of certain local government mandates, I think it is critical to follow some common sense." Djokovic has apologised and admitted it was probably "too soon" to run the event, which was played in front of packed stands in Belgrade. Amritraj, who reached a career-high ranking of 18 and beat Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors in his playing career, thought the tournament would have been good for tennis as it would bring the sport back on television. "As days progressed, I realised that they were going to put about 1,000 people in a stadium and I really didn't know how big the stadium was," he added. "And later on ... after finding out that the event itself had pretty much a full house from the perspective of fans and none of this social distancing, masks, all of that were even in play, it became very much more of a concern." Djokovic also heads up the players council on the ATP Tour and Amritraj, who held the same post for four terms from 1989, said it came with a "huge" responsibility. "Same for Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal), whatever they say or do is going to have a great degree of influence over the sport worldwide and what people think," he added. Amritraj said the Adria Tour debacle showed there should be no crowds if, as planned, the main circuits restart in August after a gap of five months. "The crowd usually makes a huge difference," he said. "Unfortunately you will lose that element of the match. It'll be pretty straightforward to see a spectacular point and there'll be no applause in the way. "So that certainly will affect the players. But again, it's something that we have to get used to, and it's better than not having it at all."

Novak Djokovic event lacked bit of common sense, says Vijay Amritraj

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has defender Novak Djokovic for hosting the controversial Adria Tour where a number of players, including Djokovic himself, tested positive for COVID-19. While widespread criticism has since followed Djokovic, the Manchester United footballer has defended his Serbian counterpart as he said he didn't do something wrong.

Djokovic along with his coach Goran Ivanisevic and players Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for coronavirus after the completion of events in Serbia and Croatia. While the events saw packed grounds with no social distancing measures in place. Even players were seen partying in a nightclub to celebrate the events.

OPINION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282">Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world</a>

<h2>Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that: Matic</h2>

“People need to understand that the situation in Serbia was better than here (in England). The country allowed everyone to do whatever they want, everything was open, the shopping centres and the restaurants,” Matic told Sky Sports.

“So they started to live normal lives because our country was closed for three months completely. You were not allowed to walk on the street, you couldn’t leave your home, so it was different (than England).”

While some exhibition events have been played behind closed doors, the Adria Tour attracted jam-packed crowd, mainly due to the big-name players participating in the tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/itf-official-slams-novak-djokovics-father-for-accusing-grigor-dimitrov-of-spreading-covid-19-into-tennis-world-308783" hreflang="en">ITF official slams Novak Djokovic's father for accusing Grigor Dimitrov of spreading COVID-19 into tennis world</a>

“When they opened they said, ‘you are more than free to do whatever you want’,” Matic added.&nbsp;

“Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that.

“I just wanted to say that it is not his fault that he made the tournament, he just wanted to help the players play competitions. I don’t see that he (did) something wrong.” 
&nbsp;

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has defender Novak Djokovic for hosting the controversial Adria Tour where a number of players, including Djokovic himself, tested positive for COVID-19.

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has defender Novak Djokovic for hosting the controversial Adria Tour where a number of players, including Djokovic himself, tested positive for COVID-19. While widespread criticism has since followed Djokovic, the Manchester United footballer has defended his Serbian counterpart as he said he didn't do something wrong. Djokovic along with his coach Goran Ivanisevic and players Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for coronavirus after the completion of events in Serbia and Croatia. While the events saw packed grounds with no social distancing measures in place. Even players were seen partying in a nightclub to celebrate the events. OPINION: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that: Matic “People need to understand that the situation in Serbia was better than here (in England). The country allowed everyone to do whatever they want, everything was open, the shopping centres and the restaurants,” Matic told Sky Sports. “So they started to live normal lives because our country was closed for three months completely. You were not allowed to walk on the street, you couldn’t leave your home, so it was different (than England).” While some exhibition events have been played behind closed doors, the Adria Tour attracted jam-packed crowd, mainly due to the big-name players participating in the tournament. ALSO READ: ITF official slams Novak Djokovic's father for accusing Grigor Dimitrov of spreading COVID-19 into tennis world “When they opened they said, ‘you are more than free to do whatever you want’,” Matic added. “Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that. “I just wanted to say that it is not his fault that he made the tournament, he just wanted to help the players play competitions. I don’t see that he (did) something wrong.”

It is not his fault: Manchester United's Nemanja Matic defends Novak Djokovic for organising ill-fated Adria Tour

World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic’s parents have defended their son while accusing another tennis player – Grigor Dimitrov – for spreading the COVID-19 virus at a series of exhibition matches hosted by Djokovic himself.&nbsp;

Djokovic and his wife tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday with the 17-time Grand Slam winner apologizing online for the catastrophe following the Adria Tour events, which witnessed some of the top tennis stars from various countries participate in matches played in Serbia and Croatia. The crowd were allowed to attend the matches with no social distancing measures in place.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world</a>

Djokovic’s father has now blamed Grigor Dimitrov for the cancellation of Adria Tour. Dimitrov is one of the three other players to have tested positive in the last few days. However, there is no evidence that Dimitrov was the one to spread the virus to others.

“Why did it happen? Because that man probably came sick, who knows from where,” Srdjan Djokovic told RTL Croatia TV. “He didn’t test here, he tested somewhere else … I think that’s not fair.

“He inflicted damage to both Croatia and to us as a family in Serbia,” Srdjan Djokovic said. “Nobody is feeling well because of this situation.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adria-tour-latest-series-of-gaffes-from-novak-djokovic-308316" hreflang="en">Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic</a>

Dimitrov was the first Adria Tour player to test positive for the dreaded virus and was followed by Borna Coris and Viktor Troicki.&nbsp;

“We were wrong and it was too soon,” wrote Djokovic, who has previously said he was against taking a vaccine for the virus even if it became mandatory to travel.

Whereas, Djokovic’s mother said that her son and his wife Jelena are feeling fine but are suffering due to worldwide criticism.&nbsp;

“It is horrible what is being written, but we are used to it,” Dijana Djokovic told the Belgrade Blic daily newspaper.

The Adria Tour mishap puts question marks on the US Open scheduled to start August 31 behind closed doors.

World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic’s parents have defended their son while accusing another tennis player – Grigor Dimitrov – for spreading the COVID-19 virus at a series of exhibition matches hosted by Djokovic himself.

World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic’s parents have defended their son while accusing another tennis player – Grigor Dimitrov – for spreading the COVID-19 virus at a series of exhibition matches hosted by Djokovic himself. Djokovic and his wife tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday with the 17-time Grand Slam winner apologizing online for the catastrophe following the Adria Tour events, which witnessed some of the top tennis stars from various countries participate in matches played in Serbia and Croatia. The crowd were allowed to attend the matches with no social distancing measures in place. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Djokovic’s father has now blamed Grigor Dimitrov for the cancellation of Adria Tour. Dimitrov is one of the three other players to have tested positive in the last few days. However, there is no evidence that Dimitrov was the one to spread the virus to others. “Why did it happen? Because that man probably came sick, who knows from where,” Srdjan Djokovic told RTL Croatia TV. “He didn’t test here, he tested somewhere else … I think that’s not fair. “He inflicted damage to both Croatia and to us as a family in Serbia,” Srdjan Djokovic said. “Nobody is feeling well because of this situation.” ALSO READ: Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic Dimitrov was the first Adria Tour player to test positive for the dreaded virus and was followed by Borna Coris and Viktor Troicki. “We were wrong and it was too soon,” wrote Djokovic, who has previously said he was against taking a vaccine for the virus even if it became mandatory to travel. Whereas, Djokovic’s mother said that her son and his wife Jelena are feeling fine but are suffering due to worldwide criticism. “It is horrible what is being written, but we are used to it,” Dijana Djokovic told the Belgrade Blic daily newspaper. The Adria Tour mishap puts question marks on the US Open scheduled to start August 31 behind closed doors.

'That man probably came sick' - Novak Djokovic's parents accuse Grigor Dimitrov of spreading coronavirus at Adria Tour

Apologies, apologies and more apologies. This is the state of tennis stars and organisers who took part in the much-talked-about Adria Tour. Four players – Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki – who participated in the tennis exhibition event has tested positive for the coronavirus with the plan turning out to be reckless and catastrophe. The visuals of elite players including Djokovic partying topless to celebrate the success of the tour in Belgrade are enough to produce millions of facepalms, something which social media has been witnessing since the video went viral on Tuesday.

“I know there have been some criticisms as well especially coming from the West: ‘why do we have a crowd? Why not having social distancing? What is going on and why are they having this kind of event in the midst of a very hard pandemic in the West?” – This is what Djokovic had said in the Eurosports Tennis Legends Podcast published on May 18.

“But, you know, it’s hard to explain to people that the situation is really, really different maybe in America or the UK than it is in Serbia or surrounding countries, and obviously from the day one of the organization of the Adria Tour, [we have been] following the rules and the measures that have been regulated by obviously the government institution and the public health institution.”

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Prayers up to all the players that have contracted Covid - 19. Don’t @ me for anything I’ve done that has been ‘irresponsible’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ - this takes the cake. <a href="https://t.co/lVligELgID">https://t.co/lVligELgID</a>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1275408778087657473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Djokovic sounded confident and bullish but he must have known that coronavirus doesn’t even spare people with immense influence. The event went ahead with some of the biggest stars headlining the exhibition. Social distancing norms, to a major surprise, were tossed out of the window. Hugs, high-fives, handshakes became a routine in the Adria Tour as if the world never witnessed or is rather witnessing COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

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I’m proud to officially share the news that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdriaTour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdriaTour</a> will be held across the Balkans 13 June - 5 July kicking off with a tournament in Belgrade. Very grateful and excited we could make this happen to play and support humanitarian projects across th… <a href="https://t.co/8eQsx7CkMu">https://t.co/8eQsx7CkMu</a> <a href="https://t.co/QDVXa4FbqV">pic.twitter.com/QDVXa4FbqV</a>
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1263935297374560256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Tour has been cancelled now but has it really served the ‘philanthropic’ purpose, Djokovic and his brother were looking to achieve? What about the Kids’ day? And when most of the footballers and organisers from Bundesliga, Serie A, Premier League are focusing on maintaining social distancing norms with proper sanitization work even on the ball, Djokovic felt it was absolutely fine to hold an event with a packed crowd and no health safety measures in place. The result is in front of everyone.

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<a href="https://t.co/vR18zKhtL8">pic.twitter.com/vR18zKhtL8</a>
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1275493253375238144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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And what is more laughable is that Djokovic opposed to COVID-19 vaccination earlier in April. A virus which has infected over 9million people with more than 400,000 worldwide deaths. A bit of sensibility and responsibility was needed from the Serb but he gave away a double fault there.

“Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said in a Facebook live chat with other Serbian athletes.

Heavy backlash, expected after the catastrophe in Adria Tour, followed. From Nick Kyrgios to Andy Murray, everyone is of the view that the Adria Tour shouldn’t have taken place. Djokovic’s latest misstep has caused some to question his presidency of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals, or men's tour) Player Council, which advises the ATP board.

Not only on Djokovic’s part but other top players who showed up for the Adria Tour have been irresponsible, to say the lease. Grigor Dimitrov, instead of testing in Zadar, travelled to Monaco. His manager on Tuesday said: “They often have ailments and still try to play,” he said. “We didn’t have such worries [about coronavirus], none of us thought about it.” Should this be coming from an elite tennis player influencing millions and might now be affecting many? Monaco hadn’t registered a single coronavirus case for a full three weeks. On 21 June, there was a coronavirus positive in the Principality. 
&nbsp;

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Tell dominic (and everyone else) to self isolate. A negative test now doesn’t mean no corona at all. Have to wait for at least 14 days after coming in contact with someone who tested positive <a href="https://t.co/MP1S0euXKf">https://t.co/MP1S0euXKf</a>
— Asparagus Quarantinerer (@samstennis189) <a href="https://twitter.com/samstennis189/status/1274797660277403649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Battle of the Brits exhibition in West London, where Andy Murray made a winning comeback, is being held behind closed door with strict health protocols in place. Maybe the organisers of Adria Tour should have known how sports in the coronavirus world are being played. Maybe they could have saved themselves from a PR failure and sheer embarrassment without putting many lives in danger.

While harsh criticism is something the Adria Tour disaster deserves but what is important is that Djokovic and the entire sporting world take note of how minute of mistakes could ruin the efforts made in the last three months to curb the spread of the dreaded virus. And in Djokovic’s case, it wasn’t even a minor mistake, it was a calamity.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Apologies, apologies and more apologies. This is the state of tennis stars and organisers who took part in the much-talked-about Adria Tour. Four players – Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki – who participated in the tennis exhibition event has tested positive for the coronavirus with the plan turning out to be reckless and catastrophe.

Apologies, apologies and more apologies. This is the state of tennis stars and organisers who took part in the much-talked-about Adria Tour. Four players – Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki – who participated in the tennis exhibition event has tested positive for the coronavirus with the plan turning out to be reckless and catastrophe. The visuals of elite players including Djokovic partying topless to celebrate the success of the tour in Belgrade are enough to produce millions of facepalms, something which social media has been witnessing since the video went viral on Tuesday. “I know there have been some criticisms as well especially coming from the West: ‘why do we have a crowd? Why not having social distancing? What is going on and why are they having this kind of event in the midst of a very hard pandemic in the West?” – This is what Djokovic had said in the Eurosports Tennis Legends Podcast published on May 18. “But, you know, it’s hard to explain to people that the situation is really, really different maybe in America or the UK than it is in Serbia or surrounding countries, and obviously from the day one of the organization of the Adria Tour, [we have been] following the rules and the measures that have been regulated by obviously the government institution and the public health institution.” Prayers up to all the players that have contracted Covid - 19. Don’t @ me for anything I’ve done that has been ‘irresponsible’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ - this takes the cake. https://t.co/lVligELgID — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 23, 2020 × Djokovic sounded confident and bullish but he must have known that coronavirus doesn’t even spare people with immense influence. The event went ahead with some of the biggest stars headlining the exhibition. Social distancing norms, to a major surprise, were tossed out of the window. Hugs, high-fives, handshakes became a routine in the Adria Tour as if the world never witnessed or is rather witnessing COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud to officially share the news that the #AdriaTour will be held across the Balkans 13 June - 5 July kicking off with a tournament in Belgrade. Very grateful and excited we could make this happen to play and support humanitarian projects across th… https://t.co/8eQsx7CkMu pic.twitter.com/QDVXa4FbqV — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 22, 2020 × The Tour has been cancelled now but has it really served the ‘philanthropic’ purpose, Djokovic and his brother were looking to achieve? What about the Kids’ day? And when most of the footballers and organisers from Bundesliga, Serie A, Premier League are focusing on maintaining social distancing norms with proper sanitization work even on the ball, Djokovic felt it was absolutely fine to hold an event with a packed crowd and no health safety measures in place. The result is in front of everyone. pic.twitter.com/vR18zKhtL8 — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 23, 2020 × And what is more laughable is that Djokovic opposed to COVID-19 vaccination earlier in April. A virus which has infected over 9million people with more than 400,000 worldwide deaths. A bit of sensibility and responsibility was needed from the Serb but he gave away a double fault there. “Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said in a Facebook live chat with other Serbian athletes. Heavy backlash, expected after the catastrophe in Adria Tour, followed. From Nick Kyrgios to Andy Murray, everyone is of the view that the Adria Tour shouldn’t have taken place. Djokovic’s latest misstep has caused some to question his presidency of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals, or men's tour) Player Council, which advises the ATP board. Not only on Djokovic’s part but other top players who showed up for the Adria Tour have been irresponsible, to say the lease. Grigor Dimitrov, instead of testing in Zadar, travelled to Monaco. His manager on Tuesday said: “They often have ailments and still try to play,” he said. “We didn’t have such worries [about coronavirus], none of us thought about it.” Should this be coming from an elite tennis player influencing millions and might now be affecting many? Monaco hadn’t registered a single coronavirus case for a full three weeks. On 21 June, there was a coronavirus positive in the Principality. Tell dominic (and everyone else) to self isolate. A negative test now doesn’t mean no corona at all. Have to wait for at least 14 days after coming in contact with someone who tested positive https://t.co/MP1S0euXKf — Asparagus Quarantinerer (@samstennis189) June 21, 2020 × The Battle of the Brits exhibition in West London, where Andy Murray made a winning comeback, is being held behind closed door with strict health protocols in place. Maybe the organisers of Adria Tour should have known how sports in the coronavirus world are being played. Maybe they could have saved themselves from a PR failure and sheer embarrassment without putting many lives in danger. While harsh criticism is something the Adria Tour disaster deserves but what is important is that Djokovic and the entire sporting world take note of how minute of mistakes could ruin the efforts made in the last three months to curb the spread of the dreaded virus. And in Djokovic’s case, it wasn’t even a minor mistake, it was a calamity. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world

World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an apology while admitting it was too early to hold the much-talked-about Adria Tour which he organized with his brother in the Balkans last week.&nbsp;

Since the first leg of Adria Tour was completed last week, a catastrophe has struck the tennis world with Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Djokovic himself tested positive for coronavirus. All the mentioned stars were the participants in the vent held in Belgrade and Zadar.&nbsp;

"I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm. Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions," Djokovic said in a fresh statement on his official Twitter handle.

"We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons. We were wrong and it was too soon. I can't express enough how sorry I am for this and every case of infection," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-reacts-as-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-posts-video-of-tennis-players-partying-after-adria-tour-307992" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour</a>

<h2>Novak Djokovic's statement after being tested positive for coronavirus</h2>

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— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1275493253375238144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The remainder of the Adria Tour has been called off after the news broke out that Djokovic and his wife tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

"If you attended the Adria Tour or were around any attendees please get tested and practice social distancing. For those in Belgrade and Zadar, we will be sharing health resources in the immediate future.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966" hreflang="en">Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"The rest of the tournament has been cancelled and we will remain focussed on all those who have been affected. I pray for everyone's full recovery," the Serbian said.

Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour, where crowds were allowed with players and staff maintaining absolutely no social distancing protocols. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the players who spoke out against organising the tournament and bashed Djokovic after his test came out as positive.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the latest mishap following the Adria Tour casts fresh doubts on the resumption of tennis. 
&nbsp;

World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an apology while admitting it was too early to hold the much-talked-about Adria Tour which he organized with his brother in the Balkans last week.

World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an apology while admitting it was too early to hold the much-talked-about Adria Tour which he organized with his brother in the Balkans last week. Since the first leg of Adria Tour was completed last week, a catastrophe has struck the tennis world with Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Djokovic himself tested positive for coronavirus. All the mentioned stars were the participants in the vent held in Belgrade and Zadar. "I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm. Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions," Djokovic said in a fresh statement on his official Twitter handle. "We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons. We were wrong and it was too soon. I can't express enough how sorry I am for this and every case of infection," he added. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour Novak Djokovic's statement after being tested positive for coronavirus pic.twitter.com/vR18zKhtL8 — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 23, 2020 × The remainder of the Adria Tour has been called off after the news broke out that Djokovic and his wife tested positive for the dreaded virus. "If you attended the Adria Tour or were around any attendees please get tested and practice social distancing. For those in Belgrade and Zadar, we will be sharing health resources in the immediate future. ALSO READ: Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19 "The rest of the tournament has been cancelled and we will remain focussed on all those who have been affected. I pray for everyone's full recovery," the Serbian said. Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour, where crowds were allowed with players and staff maintaining absolutely no social distancing protocols. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the players who spoke out against organising the tournament and bashed Djokovic after his test came out as positive. Meanwhile, the latest mishap following the Adria Tour casts fresh doubts on the resumption of tennis.

'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus

In another major blow to the tennis world, Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic's results follow after Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov following the completion of the first leg of Adria Tour last week in the Balkans.

<h2>Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19</h2>

Djokovic's test results follow after Coric and Dimitrov were tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of Serbian's Adria Tour last week. While crowds were allowed in the event as tennis resumed, social distancing norms were hardly followed in the Tour with players embracing each other at the net and ball kids on the court. The Adria Tour was called off earlier.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-novak-djokovics-adria-tour-comes-as-warning-for-sporting-world-307774" hreflang="en">Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world</a>

Novak Djokovic's full statement:

<img alt="Novak Djokovic COVID-19 statement" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="598b8123-0c83-4738-91c3-54d5e299dde3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EbMlE3uU4AAjAWW.jpg" />

While the likes of Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Dimitrov were seen hitting a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the successful completion of the first leg of Adria Tour, a backlash from the tennis fraternity followed. Nick Kyrgios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin had slammed the Serbian to host an open tennis event amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic had said.&nbsp;

With a mini outbreak of COVID-19 occurring in the tennis world following the Adria Tour, it remains to be seen whether it will affect the Grand Slams approaching in the tennis calendar.

In another major blow to the tennis world, Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic's results follow after Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov following the completion of the first leg of Adria Tour last week in the Balkans.

In another major blow to the tennis world, Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic's results follow after Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov following the completion of the first leg of Adria Tour last week in the Balkans. Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 Djokovic's test results follow after Coric and Dimitrov were tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of Serbian's Adria Tour last week. While crowds were allowed in the event as tennis resumed, social distancing norms were hardly followed in the Tour with players embracing each other at the net and ball kids on the court. The Adria Tour was called off earlier. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world Novak Djokovic's full statement: While the likes of Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Dimitrov were seen hitting a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the successful completion of the first leg of Adria Tour, a backlash from the tennis fraternity followed. Nick Kyrgios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin had slammed the Serbian to host an open tennis event amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic had said. With a mini outbreak of COVID-19 occurring in the tennis world following the Adria Tour, it remains to be seen whether it will affect the Grand Slams approaching in the tennis calendar.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19

Bulgarian tennis ace Grigor Dimitrov has tested positive for coronavirus. He took to social media platform Instagram to share this news with the fans. Just a week ago he played an exhibition match against world number one Novak Djokovic.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtKr9dA7wa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Hi Everyone-I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering. Thanks for your support and please stay safe and healthy. GD</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grigordimitrov/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Grigor Dimitrov</a> (@grigordimitrov) on <time datetime="2020-06-21T17:36:04+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 21, 2020 at 10:36am PDT</time>
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Dimitrov was a part of the Adria Tour along with Novak Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked 17.

He took to Instagram and wrote: "Hi Everyone-I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering. Thanks for your support and please stay safe and healthy. GD"

Dimitrov withdrew from the Balkans tournament after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell.&nbsp;

"We have just been informed that Grigor Dimitrov has tested positive for coronavirus and we will have to call off the final of the tournament in Zadar," Djokovic's coach and the event's director Goran Ivanisevic told fans courtside.

Bulgarian tennis ace Grigor Dimitrov has tested positive for coronavirus. He took to social media platform Instagram to share this news with the fans. Just a week ago he played an exhibition match against world number one Novak Djokovic.

Bulgarian tennis ace Grigor Dimitrov has tested positive for coronavirus. He took to social media platform Instagram to share this news with the fans. Just a week ago he played an exhibition match against world number one Novak Djokovic. View this post on Instagram Hi Everyone-I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering. Thanks for your support and please stay safe and healthy. GD A post shared by Grigor Dimitrov (@grigordimitrov) on Jun 21, 2020 at 10:36am PDT × Dimitrov was a part of the Adria Tour along with Novak Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked 17. He took to Instagram and wrote: "Hi Everyone-I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering. Thanks for your support and please stay safe and healthy. GD" Dimitrov withdrew from the Balkans tournament after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell. "We have just been informed that Grigor Dimitrov has tested positive for coronavirus and we will have to call off the final of the tournament in Zadar," Djokovic's coach and the event's director Goran Ivanisevic told fans courtside.

Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus

Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade.&nbsp;

The Tour was set-up by Djokovic in the Balkans to give fans a taste of what they were missing with the tennis season suspended.

<img alt="Novak Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7334806e-218e-441f-a358-7e549cc0c8ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG3NM.jpg" />

So no social distancing, players embracing at the net, ball kids on the courts – it was business as usual. Some would say it was an alternate reality that was pushing fate. The coronavirus has hit back with both Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus and the Tour has been called off.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatias-coric-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307688" hreflang="en">Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19</a>

“We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic.&nbsp;

And those test results could spell trouble for Djokovic, who faced Coric on Saturday in the second lef of the Tour in Croatia. According to reports, Djokovic’s fitness trainer and coach have tested positive for COVID-19 as well.

<img alt="Grigor Dimitrov" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fca6a497-1120-4bdb-9ca0-988848ce8b91" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG19G.jpg" />

Adding to the anxiety is a backlash against Djokovic who also heads the ATP player council with nick Keerios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin slamming the decision to cock a snook at the coronavirus.

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🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. <a href="https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK">https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK</a>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1274971571363344386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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These are the people I feel I am fighting against, which is why I don’t answer every tweet. Some don’t deserve responses. Wake up. <a href="https://t.co/htNIGoGUWk">pic.twitter.com/htNIGoGUWk</a>
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noahrubin33/status/1274877238836592642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong... Am I the only one ? Is it a consequence of it ? 
Get better soon Grigor 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF">https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF</a>
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) <a href="https://twitter.com/alizecornet/status/1274794894075334664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bulgarian-tennis-player-grigor-dimitrov-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-307575" hreflang="en">Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus</a>

And it’s not just Djokovic who is facing the wrath of the pandemic. Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade have announced that 5 players have tested positive for the virus. This comes 12 days after their match against Partizan Belgrade with over 16,000 fans in attendance.&nbsp;

<img alt="Red Star Belgrade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9158b103-0ca0-4b4f-980c-e09e746a9b58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1T83EL.jpg" />

With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived

Whereas, New Zealand celebrated the end of the battle against the pandemic with 43,000 fans packing Eden Park in Auckland for a rugby game a few days ago.

And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again&nbsp;

With no vaccine in sight, the coronavirus cannot be wished away. And yet certain sporting bodies do not seem to have received the memo. Any event with large crowds is a magnet for the virus to strike again.

The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents.

A ghostly silence has greeted television audiences who have tuned into the resumption of La Liga and the Premier League but if sport is to endure and battle back then empty stadiums are the new normal.&nbsp;

This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel. 
&nbsp;

Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade.

Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade. The Tour was set-up by Djokovic in the Balkans to give fans a taste of what they were missing with the tennis season suspended. So no social distancing, players embracing at the net, ball kids on the courts – it was business as usual. Some would say it was an alternate reality that was pushing fate. The coronavirus has hit back with both Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus and the Tour has been called off. ALSO READ: Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19 “We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic. And those test results could spell trouble for Djokovic, who faced Coric on Saturday in the second lef of the Tour in Croatia. According to reports, Djokovic’s fitness trainer and coach have tested positive for COVID-19 as well. Adding to the anxiety is a backlash against Djokovic who also heads the ATP player council with nick Keerios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin slamming the decision to cock a snook at the coronavirus. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 22, 2020 × These are the people I feel I am fighting against, which is why I don’t answer every tweet. Some don’t deserve responses. Wake up. pic.twitter.com/htNIGoGUWk — Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) June 22, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/egVyfJAS6H — Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) June 22, 2020 × While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong... Am I the only one ? Is it a consequence of it ? Get better soon Grigor 🙏 https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF — Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) June 21, 2020 × ALSO READ: Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus And it’s not just Djokovic who is facing the wrath of the pandemic. Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade have announced that 5 players have tested positive for the virus. This comes 12 days after their match against Partizan Belgrade with over 16,000 fans in attendance. With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived Whereas, New Zealand celebrated the end of the battle against the pandemic with 43,000 fans packing Eden Park in Auckland for a rugby game a few days ago. And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again With no vaccine in sight, the coronavirus cannot be wished away. And yet certain sporting bodies do not seem to have received the memo. Any event with large crowds is a magnet for the virus to strike again. The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents. A ghostly silence has greeted television audiences who have tuned into the resumption of La Liga and the Premier League but if sport is to endure and battle back then empty stadiums are the new normal. This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world

World number one Novak Djokovic appeared to row back on scepticism over plans to stage the US Open, saying on Thursday he was "extremely happy" the Grand Slam had escaped the coronavirus cull which claimed Wimbledon and much of the season.

Djokovic had initially voiced unease over the United States Tennis Association's intention to keep the event starting on August 31 at Flushing Meadows despite New York being the hardest-hit city by the US coronavirus crisis.

He described health protocols as "extreme" and "impossible".

However, organisers will have been encouraged by the positive noises coming from the three-time US Open champion on Thursday.

"I'm extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments, especially Grand Slams, are organising their events," the Serb said in reference also to the French Open, rescheduled now to start in late September.

"I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told Eurosport's Tennis Legends podcast.

"So a lot of people, including myself, were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not.

"We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete.

"Because at the end of the day, this is what we do! As tennis professionals we love the sport; we are passionate about it. We miss competing and travelling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So I think this is very positive news."

The 33-year-old said he hoped the stringent restrictions including the existing ban on South American players travelling to compete would be eased before the Grand Slam gets underway.

"Let's hope that in the next two months some of those restrictions will loosen up a bit and that we will have a great, great tournament."

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Perpetuating my unemployment' -</h2>

This month Djokovic had said that most players he had spoken to had "a rather negative view" about playing in New York, and predicted some would instead switch to the delayed clay court season.

A number of other players have also expressed doubts over the US Open including defending champion Rafael Nadal who said that he would not take part if the event was taking place now.

Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty as well as Wimbledon champion Simona Halep have also expressed reservations.

The US Open will be played without fans in attendance while strict health protocols will be in place.

However, there has been anger at the decision to drop qualifying from the tournament.

"Cheers to ATP and US Open for further perpetuating my unemployment," tweeted world number 195 Mitchell Krueger of the United States.

Sachia Vickery, the women's world number 158, tweeted: "What a slap in the face to all the players in qualifying that won’t even have a chance to compete and who literally depend on the money from grand slams to survive."

Wary of the fall-out, the USTA said $6.6 million will be put aside as compensation for those affected by missing out on the 128-player main draw.

There was also anger too at the decision not to stage a wheelchair tournament at the US Open this year.

"Massively disappointed to find out on Twitter this morning that the @usopen plan on cutting wheelchair tennis from this years tournament," tweeted Paralympic champion Gordon Reid, who is also a four-time doubles winner in New York.

"The wheelchair players have had ZERO communication or consultation from either the ITF or the Grand Slam around this decision."

International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons added: "The decision has left a lot of the athlete community rightly upset and angered".

World number one Novak Djokovic appeared to row back on scepticism over plans to stage the US Open, saying on Thursday he was "extremely happy" the Grand Slam had escaped the coronavirus cull which claimed Wimbledon and much of the season.

World number one Novak Djokovic appeared to row back on scepticism over plans to stage the US Open, saying on Thursday he was "extremely happy" the Grand Slam had escaped the coronavirus cull which claimed Wimbledon and much of the season. Djokovic had initially voiced unease over the United States Tennis Association's intention to keep the event starting on August 31 at Flushing Meadows despite New York being the hardest-hit city by the US coronavirus crisis. He described health protocols as "extreme" and "impossible". However, organisers will have been encouraged by the positive noises coming from the three-time US Open champion on Thursday. "I'm extremely happy and excited to see that all the tournaments, especially Grand Slams, are organising their events," the Serb said in reference also to the French Open, rescheduled now to start in late September. "I think that a lot of people were sceptical, especially for the US events considering what the US went through as a country during this pandemic," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told Eurosport's Tennis Legends podcast. "So a lot of people, including myself, were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not. "We are very glad that it is happening, of course, and it is very important that we provide opportunities, we provide jobs, we provide opportunities for players to compete. "Because at the end of the day, this is what we do! As tennis professionals we love the sport; we are passionate about it. We miss competing and travelling and, at the end of the day, we miss being on tour. So I think this is very positive news." The 33-year-old said he hoped the stringent restrictions including the existing ban on South American players travelling to compete would be eased before the Grand Slam gets underway. "Let's hope that in the next two months some of those restrictions will loosen up a bit and that we will have a great, great tournament." - 'Perpetuating my unemployment' - This month Djokovic had said that most players he had spoken to had "a rather negative view" about playing in New York, and predicted some would instead switch to the delayed clay court season. A number of other players have also expressed doubts over the US Open including defending champion Rafael Nadal who said that he would not take part if the event was taking place now. Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty as well as Wimbledon champion Simona Halep have also expressed reservations. The US Open will be played without fans in attendance while strict health protocols will be in place. However, there has been anger at the decision to drop qualifying from the tournament. "Cheers to ATP and US Open for further perpetuating my unemployment," tweeted world number 195 Mitchell Krueger of the United States. Sachia Vickery, the women's world number 158, tweeted: "What a slap in the face to all the players in qualifying that won’t even have a chance to compete and who literally depend on the money from grand slams to survive." Wary of the fall-out, the USTA said $6.6 million will be put aside as compensation for those affected by missing out on the 128-player main draw. There was also anger too at the decision not to stage a wheelchair tournament at the US Open this year. "Massively disappointed to find out on Twitter this morning that the @usopen plan on cutting wheelchair tennis from this years tournament," tweeted Paralympic champion Gordon Reid, who is also a four-time doubles winner in New York. "The wheelchair players have had ZERO communication or consultation from either the ITF or the Grand Slam around this decision." International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons added: "The decision has left a lot of the athlete community rightly upset and angered".

Djokovic puts positive spin on US Open plan

Novak Djokovic suggested that his season might resume on clay rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America.

"Nothing is certain yet, a final decision is expected by the end of the month," world number one Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS, adding that US Open organisers had to relax their "extreme conditions" or players would wait for the European tournaments.

"For me what seems real at the moment is that the clay court season will continue in early September with Madrid, Rome and a few more tournaments before Roland Garros," Djokovic, champion at the US Open in 2011, 2015 and 2018, said.

The tennis season has been on hold since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with Roland Garros postponed and Wimbledon cancelled.&nbsp;

The US Open is still scheduled to go ahead, with the main draw starting on August 31.

However, New York was the epicentre of the outbreak in the US and the authorities and organisers have drawn up a list of hygiene rules that Djokovic says may mean taking part may not be worth it.&nbsp;

"At the moment the measures in force are very severe," he said.

He repeated his objection to the 14-day quarantine period for players arriving in the United States and the restriction to a one-person entourage and his complaint that players would not be allowed to stay in Manhattan but would be housed in airport hotels near the tournament.

"These are pretty extreme conditions and I don't know if they are sustainable. Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going," he said.

"Of course, we would all like to return to the courts as soon as possible and play tournaments, the ones before the US Open and the US Open and I hope they will take place but there has to be a compromise between the organisers and the players. We'll see if it will happen".&nbsp;

Last week world number two, and reigning US Open champion,&nbsp;Rafael Nadal expressed similar reservations.

Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon, saying she needed more information before committing to the tournament.

Novak Djokovic suggested that his season might resume on clay rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America. "Nothing is certain yet, a final decision is expected by the end of the month," world number one Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS, adding that US Open organisers had to relax their "extreme conditions" or players would wait for the European tournaments.

Novak Djokovic suggested that his season might resume on clay rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America. "Nothing is certain yet, a final decision is expected by the end of the month," world number one Djokovic told Serbian broadcaster RTS, adding that US Open organisers had to relax their "extreme conditions" or players would wait for the European tournaments. "For me what seems real at the moment is that the clay court season will continue in early September with Madrid, Rome and a few more tournaments before Roland Garros," Djokovic, champion at the US Open in 2011, 2015 and 2018, said. The tennis season has been on hold since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with Roland Garros postponed and Wimbledon cancelled. The US Open is still scheduled to go ahead, with the main draw starting on August 31. However, New York was the epicentre of the outbreak in the US and the authorities and organisers have drawn up a list of hygiene rules that Djokovic says may mean taking part may not be worth it. "At the moment the measures in force are very severe," he said. He repeated his objection to the 14-day quarantine period for players arriving in the United States and the restriction to a one-person entourage and his complaint that players would not be allowed to stay in Manhattan but would be housed in airport hotels near the tournament. "These are pretty extreme conditions and I don't know if they are sustainable. Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going," he said. "Of course, we would all like to return to the courts as soon as possible and play tournaments, the ones before the US Open and the US Open and I hope they will take place but there has to be a compromise between the organisers and the players. We'll see if it will happen". Last week world number two, and reigning US Open champion, Rafael Nadal expressed similar reservations. Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon, saying she needed more information before committing to the tournament.

Djokovic says players may skip US Open and start on clay

The much delayed generational shift in men's tennis could finally happen on resumption of the tour says tennis legend Daniel Nestor. The 12-time Grand Slam champion believes it will take Federer, Nadal and Djokovic some time to adapt to the rigours of playing five set matches.

WION Broadband Edition: Daniel Nestor opens up on the road ahead for Tennis

12-time Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi believes that the cancellation of Wimbledon will hit Roger Federer and Serena Williams the most as they approach the final years of their careers. In an exclusive conversation with WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Bhupathisaid that he believes that the current lockdown due to the coronavirus will have larger ramifications when it comes to the battle for the greatest tennis player of all time between Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Heartbroken at Wimbledon cancellation 'virus rewriting history books in tennis' | Mahesh Bhupathi

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events have come to a halt. Tennis has been on a pause since early March due to the infectious virus. But the authorities have come down to a date when the sport could return and that date is July 13.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-refuses-to-get-vaccinated-for-covid-19-to-return-to-game-293575">Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to return to game</a>

However, there are no guarantees regarding the date yet. The game could still be on a halt for the whole of 2020 if the vaccine is not available for the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kobe-university-professor-very-pessimistic-about-olympics-being-held-in-2021-293566" hreflang="en">Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021</a>

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic during a live session with Fabio Fognini on Instagram has said that the game could restart at the regional level with no rank points. He said: “I think there will be more regional prize money tournaments. I think this is what’s going to happen very soon.”

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with quarantine. Spain, Italy, and all the other countries in the world will probably have different models (to come out of it).”

“It will be difficult to start the tour because our tour is every week in different countries.

“So I think there will be regional prize money tournaments, but probably not (rankings) points at the moment because it’s very complicated,” Novak added.&nbsp;

The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.

Djokovic made a flying start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt.&nbsp;

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic had earlier opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events have come to a halt. Tennis has been on a pause since early March due to the infectious virus. But the authorities have come down to a date when the sport could return and that date is July 13.

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all the sporting events have come to a halt. Tennis has been on a pause since early March due to the infectious virus. But the authorities have come down to a date when the sport could return and that date is July 13. Also read: Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to return to game However, there are no guarantees regarding the date yet. The game could still be on a halt for the whole of 2020 if the vaccine is not available for the pandemic. Also read: Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021 World No. 1 Novak Djokovic during a live session with Fabio Fognini on Instagram has said that the game could restart at the regional level with no rank points. He said: “I think there will be more regional prize money tournaments. I think this is what’s going to happen very soon.” “I don’t know what’s going to happen with quarantine. Spain, Italy, and all the other countries in the world will probably have different models (to come out of it).” “It will be difficult to start the tour because our tour is every week in different countries. “So I think there will be regional prize money tournaments, but probably not (rankings) points at the moment because it’s very complicated,” Novak added. The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Djokovic made a flying start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt. Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic had earlier opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tennis will resume on regional level with no ranking points, predicts Novak Djokovic

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world number one said.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world number one said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kobe-university-professor-very-pessimistic-about-olympics-being-held-in-2021-293566" hreflang="en">Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021</a>

“Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat with several fellow Serbian athletes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/resumption-of-champions-league-in-august-postponement-of-202021-ucl-season-likely-reports-293535" hreflang="en">Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports</a>

"But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know.

"Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet."

Medical experts have said that vaccines against the respiratory virus would not be available until next year, raising concerns&nbsp;whether any further tennis tournaments can be contested this year.

Wimbledon was cancelled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played.

The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.

Djokovic made a flying start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt.&nbsp;

“Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat with several fellow Serbian athletes.

“But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know.

“Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet."

Medical experts have said that vaccines against the respiratory virus would not be available until next year, raising doubts whether any further tennis tournaments can be contested this year.

Wimbledon was cancelled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played.

The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12.

Djokovic made a dream&nbsp;start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt.&nbsp;

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world number one said.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world number one said. Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has opposed if it becomes compulsory for players to get vaccinated before they can begin competing once the tennis season resumes following the pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world number one said. Also read: Kobe University professor 'very pessimistic' about Olympics being held in 2021 “Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat with several fellow Serbian athletes. Also read: Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports "But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know. "Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet." Medical experts have said that vaccines against the respiratory virus would not be available until next year, raising concerns whether any further tennis tournaments can be contested this year. Wimbledon was cancelled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played. The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Djokovic made a flying start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt. “Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said in a live Facebook chat with several fellow Serbian athletes. “But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know. “Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine and there is no vaccine yet." Medical experts have said that vaccines against the respiratory virus would not be available until next year, raising doubts whether any further tennis tournaments can be contested this year. Wimbledon was cancelled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won't be played. The All England Club announced after an emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply as The Championships is being scrapped for 2020. Wimbledon was scheduled to be played on the club's grass courts on the outskirts of London from June 29 to July 12. Djokovic made a dream start to the 2020 season, winning the Aussie Open in January for his 17th grand slam title and stretched his winning run to 18 matches before the pandemic brought sports events across the world to a halt.

Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19 to return to game

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;used a dizzying array of drop shots to make short work of Karen Khachanov at the Dubai Open on Thursday, reaching the semi-finals with a dominant 6-2 6-2 win over the Russian seventh seed.

Victory extended the Serbian world number one's unbeaten start to the season to 16 matches and took his winning streak to 19 matches in a row stretching back to the ATP Finals in November.

In all,&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;sent down 19 winners to Khachanov's nine, won 89 per cent&nbsp;of his first-serve points, nine of 11 forays to the net, and wrapped up the one-sided affair in just 66 minutes.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2020-djokovic-beats-thiem-to-clinch-8th-mens-title-278160">Australian Open 2020: Djokovic beats Thiem to clinch 8th men's title&nbsp;</a>

Time and again he bamboozled his hapless opponent with delicate, wonderfully disguised drop shots, leaving the Russian either flat-footed at the back of the court or sprinting frantically to the net in vain.

Khachanov was 5-2 down in the second set and trailing 30-15 when he finally managed to win a point after chasing down a Djokovic drop shot.

The 23-year-old celebrated like he had won the match, raising his fists in the air, much to the delight of the crowd.

Three points later, Djokovic had sealed the victory.

"Tough match for Karen," the Serb said in an on-court interview. "I think he can do much better than he has done tonight. It wasn't his day, but on my side I think I played a very solid match."

The 32-year-old will next face the winner of the all-French duel between Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet.

Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas bounced back from losing the first set to Jan-Lennard Struff to claim his spot in the semis with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 victory over the hard-hitting German.

The Greek will face Dan Evans for a place in Saturday's final.

Evans, the British No. 1 and world No. 37, beat Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-2 7-6(9) earlier in the day to record his fifth victory of the year over a top-20 player as he reached the first ATP 500 semi-final of his career.

"It sounds a cliché but it stays in there and I knew I'd get my chances," Evans said.

"I'm very happy with how I played. Staying calm is key to everything really. Getting the balance, you can't be calm and dull, you've got to be aggressive... and stay cool as well."

Novak Djokovic used a dizzying array of drop shots to make short work of Karen Khachanov at the Dubai Open on Thursday, reaching the semi-finals with a dominant 6-2 6-2 win over the Russian seventh seed.

Novak Djokovic used a dizzying array of drop shots to make short work of Karen Khachanov at the Dubai Open on Thursday, reaching the semi-finals with a dominant 6-2 6-2 win over the Russian seventh seed. Victory extended the Serbian world number one's unbeaten start to the season to 16 matches and took his winning streak to 19 matches in a row stretching back to the ATP Finals in November. In all, Djokovic sent down 19 winners to Khachanov's nine, won 89 per cent of his first-serve points, nine of 11 forays to the net, and wrapped up the one-sided affair in just 66 minutes. Also read: Australian Open 2020: Djokovic beats Thiem to clinch 8th men's title Time and again he bamboozled his hapless opponent with delicate, wonderfully disguised drop shots, leaving the Russian either flat-footed at the back of the court or sprinting frantically to the net in vain. Khachanov was 5-2 down in the second set and trailing 30-15 when he finally managed to win a point after chasing down a Djokovic drop shot. The 23-year-old celebrated like he had won the match, raising his fists in the air, much to the delight of the crowd. Three points later, Djokovic had sealed the victory. "Tough match for Karen," the Serb said in an on-court interview. "I think he can do much better than he has done tonight. It wasn't his day, but on my side I think I played a very solid match." The 32-year-old will next face the winner of the all-French duel between Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet. Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas bounced back from losing the first set to Jan-Lennard Struff to claim his spot in the semis with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 victory over the hard-hitting German. The Greek will face Dan Evans for a place in Saturday's final. Evans, the British No. 1 and world No. 37, beat Russia's Andrey Rublev 6-2 7-6(9) earlier in the day to record his fifth victory of the year over a top-20 player as he reached the first ATP 500 semi-final of his career. "It sounds a cliché but it stays in there and I knew I'd get my chances," Evans said. "I'm very happy with how I played. Staying calm is key to everything really. Getting the balance, you can't be calm and dull, you've got to be aggressive... and stay cool as well."

Novak Djokovic easily defeats Khachanov in Dubai Open quarter final

Novak Djokovic on Sunday clinched the Australian Open men's title beating Austrian Dominic Thiem. This is Djokovic's 17th Grand Slam title win, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list.

Djokovic beat Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a near four-hour ordeal.

Also &nbsp;read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-sports-news-sofia-kenin-makes-fierce-comeback-to-beat-garbine-muguruza-to-win-her-first-grand-slam-at-australian-open-278021">Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final</a>

Novak Djokovic battled through intense pressure from Dominic Thiem to reassert his dominance at the Australian Open Sunday, claiming a record eighth title and in doing so retaking the world number one ranking.

The indomitable Serb stretched his unbeaten streak this season to 13 by rallying from two sets to one down and beating the courageous fifth-seeded Austrian 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a near four-hour ordeal.

(With inputs from AFP)

Novak Djokovic on Sunday clinched the Australian Open men's title beating Austrian Dominic Thiem. This is Djokovic's 17th Grand Slam title win, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list.

Novak Djokovic on Sunday clinched the Australian Open men's title beating Austrian Dominic Thiem. This is Djokovic's 17th Grand Slam title win, moving him within two of Rafael Nadal and three of Roger Federer on the all-time list. Djokovic beat Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a near four-hour ordeal. Also read: Sofia Kenin fights back to beat Garbine Muguruza in Australian Open final Novak Djokovic battled through intense pressure from Dominic Thiem to reassert his dominance at the Australian Open Sunday, claiming a record eighth title and in doing so retaking the world number one ranking. The indomitable Serb stretched his unbeaten streak this season to 13 by rallying from two sets to one down and beating the courageous fifth-seeded Austrian 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a near four-hour ordeal. (With inputs from AFP)

Australian Open 2020: Djokovic beats Thiem to clinch 8th men's title 

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