<p>The coronavirus has turned sport on its head and nowhere more so than in tennis, where the often-controversial Nick Kyrgios has been anointed as "St. Nick" for his moral leadership during the pandemic.</p>

<p>Best known for his flamboyant persona and spectacular on-court tantrums, Kyrgios has long been a provocative and polarising figure as he racked up a string of fines and bans.</p>

<p>But the combustible Australian has shown a different side in recent weeks as he took Novak Djokovic and other top players to task for their "stupidity" and risky behaviour.</p>

<p>It followed the world number one's decision to press ahead with an exhibition tournament in the Balkans, where social distancing was minimal. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake," Kyrgios tweeted.</p>

<p>Kyrgios also lashed "selfish" Alexander Zverev after he was spotted partying despite vowing to self-isolate following Djokovic's Adria Tour, while questioning Dominic Thiem's intellect after the Austrian hit out at his criticism.</p>

<p>The exchanges follow Kyrgios's admirable, and often emotional, efforts to drum up support for victims of the devastating bushfires that ripped through Australia this year, earning him new respect.</p>

<p>Often lamented in the media as a loud mouth and wasted talent, Sydney's Daily Telegraph is now calling 40th-ranked Kyrgios the "voice of reason".</p>

<p>"Crazy events are happening every day in sport but the wackiest of all is Nick Kyrgios becoming a COVID crusader and the clear-thinking conscience of a twisted tennis world," it wrote recently. "St Nick. Moral guardian. Who'd a thunk it?"</p>

<p>Tennis great John Newcombe&nbsp;also praised him for calling out players flouting COVID-19 protocols, but suggested he should do so less publicly.</p>

<p>"I know when we were playing, if you had a problem you took it to the person. You didn't make it public. But it's a different world, I guess," he told reporters.</p>

<h2>- 'Cringeworthy' -</h2>

<p>The "new Nick" is not to everyone's liking, with some on social media suggesting he was using the pandemic to raise his profile and re-ignite feuds with players he doesn't get on with.</p>

<p>"He's trying to be relevant off the court cuz everyone knows he can't ever deliver on the court," said one user, while another suggested: "He's using the virus as an excuse to do what he's always done which is criticise other players on social media."</p>

<p>That criticism includes Djokovic, after last year Kyrgios said of the Serb: "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked."</p>

<p>"This whole celebration thing (blowing kisses to the crowd) that he does after matches, it's like so cringeworthy," he added.</p>

<p>Kyrgios also has history with Zverev, whom he enraged in January by provocatively performing push-ups when the German was serving double faults during the ATP Cup.</p>

<p>While Kyrgios, 25, will always have his knockers, he also has a big fanbase with 1.4 million Instagram followers and hundreds of thousands on Twitter.</p>

<p>As Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou noted this week: "He (Kyrgios) is one of the only guys beside the top three who fills up the stadiums."</p>

<p>"He is provocative and he exaggerates but that's how he is and that's why he is an interesting character and a lot of people like him," he added.</p>

<p>The Sydney Morning Herald suggested Kyrgios' COVID-19 criticisms were "part of an image-rebuild" that started with his bushfire fundraising after a series of on-court scandals last year.</p>

<p>"He has endorsements with Nike, Yonex and Beats headphones. Now that he is the world ambassador against tennis dickheads, he puts himself even more firmly into the hands of corporate image-makers," it wrote.</p>


The coronavirus has turned sport on its head and nowhere more so than in tennis, where the often-controversial Nick Kyrgios has been anointed as "St. Nick" for his moral leadership during the pandemic.

The coronavirus has turned sport on its head and nowhere more so than in tennis, where the often-controversial Nick Kyrgios has been anointed as "St. Nick" for his moral leadership during the pandemic. Best known for his flamboyant persona and spectacular on-court tantrums, Kyrgios has long been a provocative and polarising figure as he racked up a string of fines and bans. But the combustible Australian has shown a different side in recent weeks as he took Novak Djokovic and other top players to task for their "stupidity" and risky behaviour. It followed the world number one's decision to press ahead with an exhibition tournament in the Balkans, where social distancing was minimal. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19. "Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake," Kyrgios tweeted. Kyrgios also lashed "selfish" Alexander Zverev after he was spotted partying despite vowing to self-isolate following Djokovic's Adria Tour, while questioning Dominic Thiem's intellect after the Austrian hit out at his criticism. The exchanges follow Kyrgios's admirable, and often emotional, efforts to drum up support for victims of the devastating bushfires that ripped through Australia this year, earning him new respect. Often lamented in the media as a loud mouth and wasted talent, Sydney's Daily Telegraph is now calling 40th-ranked Kyrgios the "voice of reason". "Crazy events are happening every day in sport but the wackiest of all is Nick Kyrgios becoming a COVID crusader and the clear-thinking conscience of a twisted tennis world," it wrote recently. "St Nick. Moral guardian. Who'd a thunk it?" Tennis great John Newcombe also praised him for calling out players flouting COVID-19 protocols, but suggested he should do so less publicly. "I know when we were playing, if you had a problem you took it to the person. You didn't make it public. But it's a different world, I guess," he told reporters. - 'Cringeworthy' - The "new Nick" is not to everyone's liking, with some on social media suggesting he was using the pandemic to raise his profile and re-ignite feuds with players he doesn't get on with. "He's trying to be relevant off the court cuz everyone knows he can't ever deliver on the court," said one user, while another suggested: "He's using the virus as an excuse to do what he's always done which is criticise other players on social media." That criticism includes Djokovic, after last year Kyrgios said of the Serb: "I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked." "This whole celebration thing (blowing kisses to the crowd) that he does after matches, it's like so cringeworthy," he added. Kyrgios also has history with Zverev, whom he enraged in January by provocatively performing push-ups when the German was serving double faults during the ATP Cup. While Kyrgios, 25, will always have his knockers, he also has a big fanbase with 1.4 million Instagram followers and hundreds of thousands on Twitter. As Serena Williams' coach Patrick Mouratoglou noted this week: "He (Kyrgios) is one of the only guys beside the top three who fills up the stadiums." "He is provocative and he exaggerates but that's how he is and that's why he is an interesting character and a lot of people like him," he added. The Sydney Morning Herald suggested Kyrgios' COVID-19 criticisms were "part of an image-rebuild" that started with his bushfire fundraising after a series of on-court scandals last year. "He has endorsements with Nike, Yonex and Beats headphones. Now that he is the world ambassador against tennis dickheads, he puts himself even more firmly into the hands of corporate image-makers," it wrote.

'St. Nick' - how combustible Kyrgios became 'voice of reason'

<p>Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday questioned Dominic Thiem’s intellect after the latter asked him to stop criticizing fellow colleagues Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic over their participation in the ill-fated Adria Tour.</p>

<p>Kyrgios said that Thiem wasn’t on the same “intellectual level” after the Aussie called his criticism “cheap” while claiming it was sheer “bad luck” that Zverev was caught partying after publicly promising to self isolate.</p>

<p>The likes of Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the second leg of Adria Tour, an exhibition series organized by Djokovic. Players were seen hugging and embracing across the net in front of a capacity crowd.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-british-open-to-take-place-with-no-fans-organisers-311446" hreflang="en"><strong>Women's British Open to take place with no fans: Organisers</strong></a></p>

<p>"Kyrgios has really done a lot of nonsense himself. That's why I understand even less when he interferes everywhere," Thiem told German media this week.</p>

<p>"It would be better for him to come clean instead of always criticising others."</p>

<p>However, Kyrgios didn’t hold back his words as he took to Twitter to write: "What are you talking about @ThiemDomi? Mistakes like smashing rackets? Swearing? Tanking a few matches here or there? Which everyone does?&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What are you talking about <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a> ? Mistakes like smashing rackets? Swearing? Tanking a few matches here or there? Which everyone does? None of you have the intellectual level to even understand where I’m coming from. I’m trying to hold them accountable.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1280650458374172672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>"None of you have the intellectual level to even understand where I'm coming from. I'm trying to hold them accountable."</p>

<p>Kyrgios added: "This just shows what a joke @ThiemDomi @AlexZverev &amp; @DjokerNole think this is, 2 of them partying like potato's during a global pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What are you talking about <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a> ? Mistakes like smashing rackets? Swearing? Tanking a few matches here or there? Which everyone does? None of you have the intellectual level to even understand where I’m coming from. I’m trying to hold them accountable.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1280650458374172672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"People losing lives, loved ones and friends, and then Thiem standing up for the 'mistake'. These guys are the 'top' of our sport. SMH (shaking my head)."</p>

<p>Earlier, Kyrgios lashed out at German legend Boris Becker, who had called him a “rat” for singling out Zverev.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. Can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though," he fired back.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheBorisBecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBorisBecker</a> is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1277878843101966337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday questioned Dominic Thiem’s intellect after the latter asked him to stop criticizing fellow colleagues Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic over their participation in the ill-fated Adria Tour.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday questioned Dominic Thiem’s intellect after the latter asked him to stop criticizing fellow colleagues Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic over their participation in the ill-fated Adria Tour. Kyrgios said that Thiem wasn’t on the same “intellectual level” after the Aussie called his criticism “cheap” while claiming it was sheer “bad luck” that Zverev was caught partying after publicly promising to self isolate. The likes of Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the second leg of Adria Tour, an exhibition series organized by Djokovic. Players were seen hugging and embracing across the net in front of a capacity crowd. ALSO READ: Women's British Open to take place with no fans: Organisers "Kyrgios has really done a lot of nonsense himself. That's why I understand even less when he interferes everywhere," Thiem told German media this week. "It would be better for him to come clean instead of always criticising others." However, Kyrgios didn’t hold back his words as he took to Twitter to write: "What are you talking about @ThiemDomi? Mistakes like smashing rackets? Swearing? Tanking a few matches here or there? Which everyone does? What are you talking about @ThiemDomi ? Mistakes like smashing rackets? Swearing? Tanking a few matches here or there? Which everyone does? None of you have the intellectual level to even understand where I’m coming from. I’m trying to hold them accountable. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 7, 2020 × "None of you have the intellectual level to even understand where I'm coming from. I'm trying to hold them accountable." Kyrgios added: "This just shows what a joke @ThiemDomi @AlexZverev & @DjokerNole think this is, 2 of them partying like potato's during a global pandemic. What are you talking about @ThiemDomi ? Mistakes like smashing rackets? Swearing? Tanking a few matches here or there? Which everyone does? None of you have the intellectual level to even understand where I’m coming from. I’m trying to hold them accountable. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 7, 2020 × "People losing lives, loved ones and friends, and then Thiem standing up for the 'mistake'. These guys are the 'top' of our sport. SMH (shaking my head)." Earlier, Kyrgios lashed out at German legend Boris Becker, who had called him a “rat” for singling out Zverev. "@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. Can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though," he fired back. @TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020 ×

'What are you talking about?' - Nick Kyrgios slams Dominic Thiem in coronavirus row

<p>The Women's British Open is set to go as planned and will be held in August. But the event will be held without fans, as per the organisers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first women's majors will be held a year after the cancellation of the Evian Championship in France and will be held from August 20 to 23 at Royal Troon in Scotland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the organisers, strict health and safety protocols will be followed, including the creation of a bio-secure zone. All personnel will also need to return a negative COVID-19 test.</p>

<p>The event is set to include leading players from the world rankings and those successful in certain recent tournaments around the world. Qualifying events for the tournament were scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Martin Slumbers, chief executive of organisers the R&amp;A, said: "We believe that playing the Women's British Open is a significant step for players whose playing opportunities have been severely impacted this year.</p>

<p>"As they compete to be the 2020 champion in historic circumstances, these athletes will continue to inspire golfers and sports fans around the world."</p>

<p>According to the R&amp;A, they would continue to monitor the pandemic conditions and work closely with the Scottish and British governments.</p>

<p>(Inputs from AFP)</p>


The Women's British Open is set to go as planned and will be held in August. But the event will be held without fans, as per the organisers. The first women's majors will be held a year after the cancellation of the Evian Championship in France and will be held from August 20 to 23 at Royal Troon in Scotland.

The Women's British Open is set to go as planned and will be held in August. But the event will be held without fans, as per the organisers. The first women's majors will be held a year after the cancellation of the Evian Championship in France and will be held from August 20 to 23 at Royal Troon in Scotland. According to the organisers, strict health and safety protocols will be followed, including the creation of a bio-secure zone. All personnel will also need to return a negative COVID-19 test. The event is set to include leading players from the world rankings and those successful in certain recent tournaments around the world. Qualifying events for the tournament were scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of organisers the R&A, said: "We believe that playing the Women's British Open is a significant step for players whose playing opportunities have been severely impacted this year. "As they compete to be the 2020 champion in historic circumstances, these athletes will continue to inspire golfers and sports fans around the world." According to the R&A, they would continue to monitor the pandemic conditions and work closely with the Scottish and British governments. (Inputs from AFP)

Women's British Open to take place with no fans: Organisers

<p>Swiss maestro Roger Federer has set his eyes on the 2021 season including the postponed Tokyo Olympics as he continues to recover from two knee surgeries. The world-record holder on Monday said that he is not yet at his top-level tennis but he is on his way to reach his peak again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I feel much better again,” Federer said when taking questions from fans online. “I’m not at the level where I can play (tennis) fully yet.”</p>

<p>Federer has a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but has never bagged an Olympic gold medal in singles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My goal is to play Tokyo 2021. It's a wonderful city. I met my wife in my first Olympics in 2000. It's a special event for me,” said Federer, speaking at the launch of his sneaker with On called ‘The Roger’.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-missing-wimbledon-but-aiming-to-be-back-in-2021-311165" hreflang="en">Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>“The goal is really that I’m ready for next year,” Federer said.</p>

<p>The Olympic final is slated for August 1, 2020 start, one week before the Swiss ace turns 40. Federer has won a doubles gold with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Games.</p>

<p>Federer, last month, had revealed had “an additional quick arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee some week earlier. The setback in rehab from the knee surgery in February didn’t cost Federer any tournament as the sport was shut due to COVID-19 pandemic. But it is set to get back to life next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer further recalled his iconic win in 2001 over Pete Sampras while calling him as the most significant match that has helped him define his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I felt like if I can beat Pete Sampras at Wimbledon I can beat anyone anywhere,” Federer said in response to a fan’s question.</p>


Swiss maestro Roger Federer has set his eyes on the 2021 season including the postponed Tokyo Olympics as he continues to recover from two knee surgeries. The world-record holder on Monday said that he is not yet at his top-level tennis but he is on his way to reach his peak again.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has set his eyes on the 2021 season including the postponed Tokyo Olympics as he continues to recover from two knee surgeries. The world-record holder on Monday said that he is not yet at his top-level tennis but he is on his way to reach his peak again. “I feel much better again,” Federer said when taking questions from fans online. “I’m not at the level where I can play (tennis) fully yet.” Federer has a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles but has never bagged an Olympic gold medal in singles. "My goal is to play Tokyo 2021. It's a wonderful city. I met my wife in my first Olympics in 2000. It's a special event for me,” said Federer, speaking at the launch of his sneaker with On called ‘The Roger’. ALSO READ: Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021 “The goal is really that I’m ready for next year,” Federer said. The Olympic final is slated for August 1, 2020 start, one week before the Swiss ace turns 40. Federer has won a doubles gold with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Games. Federer, last month, had revealed had “an additional quick arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee some week earlier. The setback in rehab from the knee surgery in February didn’t cost Federer any tournament as the sport was shut due to COVID-19 pandemic. But it is set to get back to life next month. Federer further recalled his iconic win in 2001 over Pete Sampras while calling him as the most significant match that has helped him define his career. “I felt like if I can beat Pete Sampras at Wimbledon I can beat anyone anywhere,” Federer said in response to a fan’s question.

Roger Federer targets Olympic gold in 2021, reveals special relation with Tokyo

<p>Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year.</p>

<p>Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year.</p>

<p>"Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-event-taught-us-to-be-cautious-french-open-director-311144" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director</a></strong></p>

<p>"But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week.</p>

<p>"Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year."</p>

<p>Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said.</p>

<p>"It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection.</p>

<p>"We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-raninder-singh-hosting-bilateral-events-only-option-to-keep-olympic-team-sharp-310550" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp</a></strong></p>

<p>The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus.</p>

<p>The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24.</p>

<p>The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021.

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year. Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles. Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year. "Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court". ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director "But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week. "Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year." Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court. "Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said. "It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection. "We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict." ALSO READ: WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus. The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24. The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary.

Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNvrPxha7qAhVZ7XMBHaXLDZkQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ol40WubfpApOPnvi1BuJP" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" target="_blank">Novak&nbsp;Djokovic's&nbsp;faulty serve to the tennis world</a></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Serbia has registered around 15,000 coronavirus cases and 281 deaths.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"In spite of certain local government mandates, I think it is critical to follow some&nbsp;common&nbsp;sense."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"The crowd usually makes a huge difference," he said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>


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

<p>Serbia Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has supported world no. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic after the Serbian ace was massively criticized after conducting the ill-fated Adria Open in Serbia and Croatia. Four tennis players, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966">including Djokovic</a>, were tested positive following the event with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-deeply-sorry-we-were-wrong-novak-djokovic-issues-apology-on-adria-tour-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308169">Serbian releasing a heartfelt apology</a> for the fiasco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brnabic said Djokovic tried to do something for the whole region and wanted to help young and non-established tennis players while raising money for humanitarian purposes. The Serbian PM further urged everyone should leave Djokovic alone and rather shift the blame on her.</p>

<p>"Every part of him. He tried to do something good for the whole region," Brnabic said in an interview with PinkTV.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju0POMqKzqAhVIzzgGHbPNA_0QFjADegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22OBXqtziTPxaCGuCIHBmW" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" target="_blank">Novak&nbsp;Djokovic's&nbsp;faulty serve to the tennis world</a></strong></p>

<p>"To put politics aside and help young and non-established tennis players, as well as to raise money for humanitarian purposes. If they could shift the blame on me personally, as Prime Minister, and leave Novak alone, I would love it," she added.</p>

<p>Djokovic has also found support in Manchester United and Serbian international Nemanja Matic as the midfielder said that the situation in Serbia was completely different from other parts of the world and Djokovic did nothing wrong by conducting the event.</p>

<p>The likes of Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the Belgrade leg of the exhibition event. Djokovic and his wife were also tested positive for the dreaded virus with NBA star Nikola Jokic, who attended the event in Serbia, also contracted the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of the tennis players, including Djokovic, were also seen partying at a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the success of Adria Tour before all hell broke loose.</p>

<p>"People need to understand that the situation in Serbia was better than here. The country allowed everyone to do whatever they want, everything was open, the shopping centres and the restaurants," Matic told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>Djokovic’s move to organise Adria Tour received <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">heavy bashing from ace tennis player Nick Kyrgios</a> with former Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj also terming the event as “surprising.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Serbia Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has supported world no. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic after the Serbian ace was massively criticized after conducting the ill-fated Adria Open in Serbia and Croatia.

Serbia Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has supported world no. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic after the Serbian ace was massively criticized after conducting the ill-fated Adria Open in Serbia and Croatia. Four tennis players, including Djokovic, were tested positive following the event with the Serbian releasing a heartfelt apology for the fiasco. Brnabic said Djokovic tried to do something for the whole region and wanted to help young and non-established tennis players while raising money for humanitarian purposes. The Serbian PM further urged everyone should leave Djokovic alone and rather shift the blame on her. "Every part of him. He tried to do something good for the whole region," Brnabic said in an interview with PinkTV. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world "To put politics aside and help young and non-established tennis players, as well as to raise money for humanitarian purposes. If they could shift the blame on me personally, as Prime Minister, and leave Novak alone, I would love it," she added. Djokovic has also found support in Manchester United and Serbian international Nemanja Matic as the midfielder said that the situation in Serbia was completely different from other parts of the world and Djokovic did nothing wrong by conducting the event. The likes of Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the Belgrade leg of the exhibition event. Djokovic and his wife were also tested positive for the dreaded virus with NBA star Nikola Jokic, who attended the event in Serbia, also contracted the virus. Some of the tennis players, including Djokovic, were also seen partying at a nightclub in Belgrade to celebrate the success of Adria Tour before all hell broke loose. "People need to understand that the situation in Serbia was better than here. The country allowed everyone to do whatever they want, everything was open, the shopping centres and the restaurants," Matic told Sky Sports. Djokovic’s move to organise Adria Tour received heavy bashing from ace tennis player Nick Kyrgios with former Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj also terming the event as “surprising.”

Blame me but leave Novak Djokovic alone: Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic

<p>Andy Murray says he is serving at full throttle again as he bids to rebuild his injury-ravaged career when tennis returns after the coronavirus shutdown.</p>

<p>The three-time Grand Slam champion played his first tournament since last November at the Battle of the Brits event last week.</p>

<p>The ATP and WTA tours are due to return next month, with the US Open starting on August 31 and the French Open beginning a month later.</p>

<p>Murray, who is set to return to action at the Washington Open in mid-August, is planning to play both the Grand Slam events.</p>

<p>"Getting the US Open and the French Open played this year is a good thing, I think," the 33-year-old told the BBC.</p>

<p>"It's positive, I just don't like the way the French Open went about scheduling their event.</p>

<p>"But we're going to have to go back to playing at some stage. The most important thing is that the events are safe."</p>

<p>Murray had career-saving hip surgery in 2019, before suffering another setback with a pelvic injury.</p>

<p>The British former world number one was upbeat about his fitness following the Battle of the Brits event, where he reached the semi-finals.</p>

<p>"I am able to serve well again and am able to serve as hard as I was in my mid-20s, which given I didn't know I was going to be able to play again has been really positive," he said.</p>

<p>"Obviously when you are able to serve bigger and harder, it means more shorter points -- and that means good news for the body and the hip. The harder I serve, the better it is for my other hip I guess."</p>

<p>The French Open was switched from its traditional May-June slot because of the pandemic, with September 20 pencilled in as a start date.</p>

<p>French tennis chiefs were heavily criticised by players and rival tournaments over a lack of consultation.</p>

<p>Now the Paris main draw of the season's final Grand Slam event will begin a week later and finish on October 11.</p>


Andy Murray says he is serving at full throttle again as he bids to rebuild his injury-ravaged career when tennis returns after the coronavirus shutdown. The three-time Grand Slam champion played his first tournament since last November at the Battle of the Brits event last week.

Andy Murray says he is serving at full throttle again as he bids to rebuild his injury-ravaged career when tennis returns after the coronavirus shutdown. The three-time Grand Slam champion played his first tournament since last November at the Battle of the Brits event last week. The ATP and WTA tours are due to return next month, with the US Open starting on August 31 and the French Open beginning a month later. Murray, who is set to return to action at the Washington Open in mid-August, is planning to play both the Grand Slam events. "Getting the US Open and the French Open played this year is a good thing, I think," the 33-year-old told the BBC. "It's positive, I just don't like the way the French Open went about scheduling their event. "But we're going to have to go back to playing at some stage. The most important thing is that the events are safe." Murray had career-saving hip surgery in 2019, before suffering another setback with a pelvic injury. The British former world number one was upbeat about his fitness following the Battle of the Brits event, where he reached the semi-finals. "I am able to serve well again and am able to serve as hard as I was in my mid-20s, which given I didn't know I was going to be able to play again has been really positive," he said. "Obviously when you are able to serve bigger and harder, it means more shorter points -- and that means good news for the body and the hip. The harder I serve, the better it is for my other hip I guess." The French Open was switched from its traditional May-June slot because of the pandemic, with September 20 pencilled in as a start date. French tennis chiefs were heavily criticised by players and rival tournaments over a lack of consultation. Now the Paris main draw of the season's final Grand Slam event will begin a week later and finish on October 11.

Big-serving Murray upbeat as he plans for return

<p>Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Boris Becker were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter on Tuesday after the Australian criticised Alexander Zverev after a video resurfaced showing him dancing in a crowd amid coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-selfish-can-you-be-nick-kyrgios-tears-apart-alexander-zverev-over-viral-party-video-at-crowded-club-309327" hreflang="en">'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club</a></p>

<p>Nick Kyrgios lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish”. Earlier last week, Zverev said he would be self-isolating himself after several players who participated in the controversial Adria Tour, were tested positive for COVID-19, including Novak Djokovic himself. While Zverev tested negative for the virus, he put out an apology for his participation in the events and promised to follow the self-isolation guidelines for 14 days.</p>

<p>The criticism angered six-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker. He took to Twitter and wrote: "Don't like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us... @NickKyrgios."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don’t like no <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rats?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rats</a> ! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us...<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/farfetch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@farfetch</a></p>
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBorisBecker/status/1277868426166505472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kyrgios was prompt in his reply: "For goodness sake Boris, I'm not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus. It's a global pandemic and if someone is as idiotic as Alex to do what he has done, I'll call him out for it. Simple."</p>

<p>"We all live in the pandemic called #Covid_19! It's terrible and it killed to many lives...we should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don't like #rats @NickKyrgios," Becker continued.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour raised many eyebrows as it allowed packed stands with no social distancing norms in place. It was followed by four participants including the organizer and player Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. The rest of the Adria Tour was cancelled after the results came out.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TheBorisBecker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBorisBecker</a> is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1277878843101966337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Djokovic has earlier defended himself against criticism over Adria Tour but apologized after fellow players and himself contracted the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rats? For holding someone accountable? Strange way to think of it champion, I'm just looking out for people. When my family and families all over the world have respectfully done the right thing," Kyrgios said, adding with a flourish:</p>

<p>"@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought ... can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though."</p>


Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Boris Becker were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter on Tuesday after the Australian criticised Alexander Zverev after a video resurfaced showing him dancing in a crowd amid coronavirus pandemic.

Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Boris Becker were involved in a heated exchange of words on Twitter on Tuesday after the Australian criticised Alexander Zverev after a video resurfaced showing him dancing in a crowd amid coronavirus pandemic. Also read: 'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club Nick Kyrgios lashed out at Alexander Zverev while labelling him “selfish”. Earlier last week, Zverev said he would be self-isolating himself after several players who participated in the controversial Adria Tour, were tested positive for COVID-19, including Novak Djokovic himself. While Zverev tested negative for the virus, he put out an apology for his participation in the events and promised to follow the self-isolation guidelines for 14 days. The criticism angered six-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker. He took to Twitter and wrote: "Don't like no #rats! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us... @NickKyrgios." Don’t like no #rats ! Anybody telling off fellow sportsman/woman is no friend of mine! Look yourself in the mirror and think your better than us...@NickKyrgios @farfetch — Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) June 30, 2020 × Kyrgios was prompt in his reply: "For goodness sake Boris, I'm not competing or trying to throw anyone under the bus. It's a global pandemic and if someone is as idiotic as Alex to do what he has done, I'll call him out for it. Simple." "We all live in the pandemic called #Covid_19! It's terrible and it killed to many lives...we should protect our families/loved ones and follow the guidelines but still don't like #rats @NickKyrgios," Becker continued. The Adria Tour raised many eyebrows as it allowed packed stands with no social distancing norms in place. It was followed by four participants including the organizer and player Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. The rest of the Adria Tour was cancelled after the results came out. @TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought. 😂😂 can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 30, 2020 × Djokovic has earlier defended himself against criticism over Adria Tour but apologized after fellow players and himself contracted the virus. "Rats? For holding someone accountable? Strange way to think of it champion, I'm just looking out for people. When my family and families all over the world have respectfully done the right thing," Kyrgios said, adding with a flourish: "@TheBorisBecker is a bigger doughnut than I thought ... can hit a volley, obviously not the sharpest tool in the shed though."

'Don't like no rats!': Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker indulge in war of words over Zverev video

<p>Outgoing &nbsp;All England club Chief Executive Richard Lewis has said that there will be no financial impact on British tennis after this year's Wimbledon got cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-selfish-can-you-be-nick-kyrgios-tears-apart-alexander-zverev-over-viral-party-video-at-crowded-club-309327" hreflang="en">'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club</a></p>

<p>The British Grand Slam was set to begin on Monday but got cancelled for the first time since World War II after coronavirus wreck havoc on the island country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said its spending plans would not have to be curtailed.</p>

<p>"It won't be severely impacted. If you have to cancel, it's great to have insurance," Lewis, who will step down as the CEO next month, told British media.</p>

<p>"We're still in a very good position, we're financially very stable. British tennis is going to be pretty well protected."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But the association does not have a similar kind of insurance to cover the losses if the grand slam is cancelled in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's impossible in the current climate," he said. "When I started in 2012, there were some signs that things were not insurable, because of communicable diseases that had taken place, like Sars and swine flu.</p>

<p>"In the immediate aftermath you can't get insurance but fairly soon after that, you can start to get insurance again, the market returns. So there won't be insurance next year.</p>

<p>"But just because we've made one claim, it won't affect us in the long term."</p>

<p>The US Open and French Open are set to resume play in the upcoming months after a long halt due to pandemic.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Outgoing All England club Chief Executive Richard Lewis has said that there will be no financial impact on British tennis after this year's Wimbledon got cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic.

Outgoing All England club Chief Executive Richard Lewis has said that there will be no financial impact on British tennis after this year's Wimbledon got cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. Also read: 'How selfish can you be?' - Nick Kyrgios tears apart Alexander Zverev over viral party video at crowded club The British Grand Slam was set to begin on Monday but got cancelled for the first time since World War II after coronavirus wreck havoc on the island country. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said its spending plans would not have to be curtailed. "It won't be severely impacted. If you have to cancel, it's great to have insurance," Lewis, who will step down as the CEO next month, told British media. "We're still in a very good position, we're financially very stable. British tennis is going to be pretty well protected." But the association does not have a similar kind of insurance to cover the losses if the grand slam is cancelled in 2021. "That's impossible in the current climate," he said. "When I started in 2012, there were some signs that things were not insurable, because of communicable diseases that had taken place, like Sars and swine flu. "In the immediate aftermath you can't get insurance but fairly soon after that, you can start to get insurance again, the market returns. So there won't be insurance next year. "But just because we've made one claim, it won't affect us in the long term." The US Open and French Open are set to resume play in the upcoming months after a long halt due to pandemic.

Wimbledon 2020 being cancelled had no financial impact on British tennis: All England club Chief Executive

<p>Davis Cup finals have been postponed until 2021 whereas the finals of Fed Cup in Budapest have been rescheduled for April 13-18, 2021 with both the tennis tournaments getting&nbsp;moved due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ITF announced the postponement but said that that delivering international team event poses too great a risk while adding the decision was a tough one to make.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Davis Cup is now scheduled to commence from November 22, 2021, and will have 18 teams qualified for the 2020 edition.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>"This is a tough decision to have to make, but delivering an international team event on this scale while guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved ultimately poses too great a risk," said ITF president David Haggerty.<br />
Fed Cup, the revamped 12-team women’s competition, was initially due to take place on indoor clay in the Hungarian capital in April but was called off due to COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Due to the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not been possible to reschedule the postponed Finals in 2020," the ITF said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-david-luiz-signs-arsenal-contract-extension-308197" hreflang="en">Premier League: David Luiz signs Arsenal contract extension</a></strong></p>

<p>"In addition to the Laszlo Papp Arena being unavailable over the latter part of the year, there remain significant logistical and regulatory challenges that mean hosting an indoor mass gathering while guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved will not be feasible."</p>

<p>Tennis world has been recently struck by COVID-19 after four players including Novak Djokovic were tested positive after the Adria Tour events in Croatia and Serbia.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Davis Cup finals have been postponed until 2021 whereas the finals of Fed Cup in Budapest have been rescheduled for April 13-18, 2021 with both the tennis tournaments getting moved due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Davis Cup finals have been postponed until 2021 whereas the finals of Fed Cup in Budapest have been rescheduled for April 13-18, 2021 with both the tennis tournaments getting moved due to COVID-19 pandemic. The ITF announced the postponement but said that that delivering international team event poses too great a risk while adding the decision was a tough one to make. Davis Cup is now scheduled to commence from November 22, 2021, and will have 18 teams qualified for the 2020 edition. ALSO READ: ITF official slams Novak Djokovic's father for accusing Grigor Dimitrov of spreading COVID-19 into tennis world "This is a tough decision to have to make, but delivering an international team event on this scale while guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved ultimately poses too great a risk," said ITF president David Haggerty. Fed Cup, the revamped 12-team women’s competition, was initially due to take place on indoor clay in the Hungarian capital in April but was called off due to COVID-19 outbreak. "Due to the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not been possible to reschedule the postponed Finals in 2020," the ITF said in a statement. ALSO READ: Premier League: David Luiz signs Arsenal contract extension "In addition to the Laszlo Papp Arena being unavailable over the latter part of the year, there remain significant logistical and regulatory challenges that mean hosting an indoor mass gathering while guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved will not be feasible." Tennis world has been recently struck by COVID-19 after four players including Novak Djokovic were tested positive after the Adria Tour events in Croatia and Serbia.

Tennis: Davis Cup, Fed Cup rescheduled to 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic

<p>Novak Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour after which several tennis players along with Djokovic and his wife were tested positive for coronavirus. Since then, Djokovic has issued a heartfelt apology while stating his intentions behind hosting the events were pure.</p>

<p>But things took a turn when Djokovic’s father blamed Grigor Dimitrov, who was also tested positive for COVID-19, for spreading the dreaded virus into the tennis world. Stefan Tzvetkov, president of Sophia Open in Bulgaria and a member of ITF board, has slammed Djokovic’s father while saying the allegations on Dimitrov were ‘unjustifiable’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bulgarian star, who flew in from the US, was one of the first players to have tested positive for coronavirus with the likes of Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki following suit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&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></strong></p>

<p>During the tour, players were seen partying in a nightclub in Belgrade, another move which was severely criticized by many and all.</p>

<p>Speaking to French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Stefan said:</p>

<p>"For me, it is shameful. The Serbs are our brothers in the Balkans and our neighbours, but Srdjan Djokovic, once again, is sending the wrong message to the whole world and I will say that this is unjustifiable behaviour. I do not know all the facts of this case, but this must stop.</p>

<p>“Novak Djokovic made a mistake in analysis. He can apologize, stick to the facts, but no one should accuse others. Point the finger at people, first Federer, now Grigor, this is totally unacceptable. And I say as a member of the ITF board, we have to stop this. Because the signal sent to children, to parents, is not the right one.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-city-did-not-match-liverpools-passion-says-guardiola-308718" hreflang="en">Man City did not match Liverpool's passion, says Guardiola</a></strong></p>

<p>"For too long, Srdjan has been accusing, talking about others in a bad way and this should not be tolerated by the tennis world."</p>

<p>Currently, the world No. 1 and his wife Jelena are in self-isolation in Belgrade after testing positive for coronavirus<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Novak Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour after which several tennis players along with Djokovic and his wife were tested positive for coronavirus.

Novak Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour after which several tennis players along with Djokovic and his wife were tested positive for coronavirus. Since then, Djokovic has issued a heartfelt apology while stating his intentions behind hosting the events were pure. But things took a turn when Djokovic’s father blamed Grigor Dimitrov, who was also tested positive for COVID-19, for spreading the dreaded virus into the tennis world. Stefan Tzvetkov, president of Sophia Open in Bulgaria and a member of ITF board, has slammed Djokovic’s father while saying the allegations on Dimitrov were ‘unjustifiable’. The Bulgarian star, who flew in from the US, was one of the first players to have tested positive for coronavirus with the likes of Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki following suit. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world During the tour, players were seen partying in a nightclub in Belgrade, another move which was severely criticized by many and all. Speaking to French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Stefan said: "For me, it is shameful. The Serbs are our brothers in the Balkans and our neighbours, but Srdjan Djokovic, once again, is sending the wrong message to the whole world and I will say that this is unjustifiable behaviour. I do not know all the facts of this case, but this must stop. “Novak Djokovic made a mistake in analysis. He can apologize, stick to the facts, but no one should accuse others. Point the finger at people, first Federer, now Grigor, this is totally unacceptable. And I say as a member of the ITF board, we have to stop this. Because the signal sent to children, to parents, is not the right one. ALSO READ: Man City did not match Liverpool's passion, says Guardiola "For too long, Srdjan has been accusing, talking about others in a bad way and this should not be tolerated by the tennis world." Currently, the world No. 1 and his wife Jelena are in self-isolation in Belgrade after testing positive for coronavirus

ITF official slams Novak Djokovic's father for accusing Grigor Dimitrov of spreading COVID-19 into tennis world

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Dimitrov was the first Adria Tour player to test positive for the dreaded virus and was followed by Borna Coris and Viktor Troicki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>Whereas, Djokovic’s mother said that her son and his wife Jelena are feeling fine but are suffering due to worldwide criticism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is horrible what is being written, but we are used to it,” Dijana Djokovic told the Belgrade Blic daily newspaper.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour mishap puts question marks on the US Open scheduled to start August 31 behind closed doors.</p>


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

<p>Dominic Thiem has followed Novak Djokovic by&nbsp;apologising for his conduct in the much-talked-about Adria Tour following which four tennis players have tested positive for coronavirus including Djokovic himself.</p>

<p>Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Borna Coric have been tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of exhibition events in Serbia and Croatia. While crowds were allowed to witness the return of tennis, social distancing and health safety measures were tossed out of the window with players embracing at the net, playing basketball together and partying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thiem was the winner of the Belgrade leg of Adria Tour at Djokovic’s tennis centre by Danube river. However, the 26-year-old has now realized the devastating effect of Tour on the world of tennis with severe backlash from the community.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>I am extremely sorry: Dominic Thiem</strong></h2>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>“We played without an audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event,” Thiem said in an Instagram post. “We trusted the Serbian government’s corona rules, but we have been too optimistic.</p>

<p>“Our behaviour was a mistake, we acted too euphorically. I am extremely sorry.”</p>

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<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 href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CB2bvHBlA_f/?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; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dominic Thiem (@domithiem)</a> on <time datetime="2020-06-25T07:58:13+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 25, 2020 at 12:58am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Even though players didn’t break government protocols during the tournament, it allowed everyone to witness how a casual approach towards the virus could turn into a catastrophe.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Thiem didn’t play in Zadar due to his commitment with Ultimate Tennis Showdown, which is being held on weekends at the Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France.</p>

<p>“I’ve now got tested five times within the last ten days and the result was always negative. I wish everyone who is infected all the best and quick recovery,” Thiem added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Dominic Thiem has followed Novak Djokovic by apologising for his conduct in the much-talked-about Adria Tour following which four tennis players have tested positive for coronavirus including Djokovic himself.

Dominic Thiem has followed Novak Djokovic by apologising for his conduct in the much-talked-about Adria Tour following which four tennis players have tested positive for coronavirus including Djokovic himself. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Borna Coric have been tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of exhibition events in Serbia and Croatia. While crowds were allowed to witness the return of tennis, social distancing and health safety measures were tossed out of the window with players embracing at the net, playing basketball together and partying. Thiem was the winner of the Belgrade leg of Adria Tour at Djokovic’s tennis centre by Danube river. However, the 26-year-old has now realized the devastating effect of Tour on the world of tennis with severe backlash from the community. I am extremely sorry: Dominic Thiem ALSO READ: Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic “We played without an audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event,” Thiem said in an Instagram post. “We trusted the Serbian government’s corona rules, but we have been too optimistic. “Our behaviour was a mistake, we acted too euphorically. I am extremely sorry.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dominic Thiem (@domithiem) on Jun 25, 2020 at 12:58am PDT × Even though players didn’t break government protocols during the tournament, it allowed everyone to witness how a casual approach towards the virus could turn into a catastrophe. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Thiem didn’t play in Zadar due to his commitment with Ultimate Tennis Showdown, which is being held on weekends at the Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France. “I’ve now got tested five times within the last ten days and the result was always negative. I wish everyone who is infected all the best and quick recovery,” Thiem added.

'We acted too euphorically, I am extremely sorry': Dominic Thiem apologises over Adria Tour mishap

<p>He may be a 17-time grand slam champion, world number 1 and on-course to become the most successful men's tennis player of all time. But Novak Djokovic's stock has taken a real pounding during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;The fallout from the Adria Tour is the latest in a series of gaffes from the Serbian over the last 3 months - and his position as the leader of the ATP players council now seems untenable.</p>

<h2>Boneheaded...Irresponsible...Disastrous...Shocking...</h2>

<p>These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Novak Djokovic and his ill-fated Adria Tour over the last week...</p>

<p>The catastrophe had seemed inevitable ever since the first images of the opening leg in Belgrade hit the internet - packed stands, Kids’ Day celebrations, players hugging and high-fiving each other despite the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>And it predictably struck in Zadar this past weekend - as 2 coaches and 4 players including Djokovic himself tested positive for the coronavirus...</p>

<p>After his initial defiance - the Serbian tried to save face with an apology in which he conceded it was too soon to host the charity event without any distancing measures - but the damage had already been done.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even Djokovic’s good friend Andy Murray had no way to defend him - particularly over this party in a Belgrade night club, where forget distancing - the players were dancing around shirtless.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasnt-a-surprise-really-andy-murray-reacts-to-novak-djokovic-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308223" hreflang="en">'Wasn't a surprise really': Andy Murray reacts to Novak Djokovic testing positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>Murray said - “in hindsight, with what’s happened there, it is not a good look. When you are going through a time like this, it’s important any of the top athletes around the world should be showing that we are taking this extremely seriously, knowing that we are using social distancing measures and whatever it is"</p>

<p>All through the lockdown - Djokovic has found himself on the wrong side of the coronavirus debate...</p>

<p>In April he said he was opposed to the idea of vaccinations - and was slammed by the Serbian health authority for fueling conspiracy theories...</p>

<p>His ignorance of science has been on display in numerous social media chats with a charlatan - with Djokovic going as far as to say that the 'power of prayer' could purify polluted water.</p>

<p>Even Djokovic’s wife Jelena - who has also tested positive - promoted a tin-foil theory linking 5-g technology to the coronavirus - that was flagged as false information by Instagram.</p>

<p>The Djoker has always held controversial opinions - but now his leadership as the head of the ATP players’ council is also under question.</p>

<p>"I don't know. Honestly, when I sit in those meetings, I don't know how they -- how it really works and how they get to those positions but, put it this way, I don't think he (Novak Djokovic) should be having a players' party and dancing all over each other and then two very good tennis players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it's transpired really</p>

<p>Criticism of Djokovic from his fellow players began earlier this month when he opposed the u-s open going ahead over what he called 'extreme protocols'...</p>

<p>The Serbian was also accused of missing key player council meetings with the ATP about safety and tennis's plans to return to action in order to play football.</p>

<p>Last year - he was instrumental in the exit of ATP chief executive Chris Kermode...prompting such concern from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that they decided to rejoin the 10-man council and provide a powerful contrarian view...&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now that his Adria Tour has single-handedly jeopardised the return of tour-level tennis - it is inconceivable for Djokovic to be allowed to continue as the chief representative of the interests of all the players.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


He may be a 17-time grand slam champion, world number 1 and on-course to become the most successful men's tennis player of all time. But Novak Djokovic's stock has taken a real pounding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He may be a 17-time grand slam champion, world number 1 and on-course to become the most successful men's tennis player of all time. But Novak Djokovic's stock has taken a real pounding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fallout from the Adria Tour is the latest in a series of gaffes from the Serbian over the last 3 months - and his position as the leader of the ATP players council now seems untenable. Boneheaded...Irresponsible...Disastrous...Shocking... These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Novak Djokovic and his ill-fated Adria Tour over the last week... The catastrophe had seemed inevitable ever since the first images of the opening leg in Belgrade hit the internet - packed stands, Kids’ Day celebrations, players hugging and high-fiving each other despite the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world And it predictably struck in Zadar this past weekend - as 2 coaches and 4 players including Djokovic himself tested positive for the coronavirus... After his initial defiance - the Serbian tried to save face with an apology in which he conceded it was too soon to host the charity event without any distancing measures - but the damage had already been done. Even Djokovic’s good friend Andy Murray had no way to defend him - particularly over this party in a Belgrade night club, where forget distancing - the players were dancing around shirtless. ALSO READ: 'Wasn't a surprise really': Andy Murray reacts to Novak Djokovic testing positive for coronavirus Murray said - “in hindsight, with what’s happened there, it is not a good look. When you are going through a time like this, it’s important any of the top athletes around the world should be showing that we are taking this extremely seriously, knowing that we are using social distancing measures and whatever it is" All through the lockdown - Djokovic has found himself on the wrong side of the coronavirus debate... In April he said he was opposed to the idea of vaccinations - and was slammed by the Serbian health authority for fueling conspiracy theories... His ignorance of science has been on display in numerous social media chats with a charlatan - with Djokovic going as far as to say that the 'power of prayer' could purify polluted water. Even Djokovic’s wife Jelena - who has also tested positive - promoted a tin-foil theory linking 5-g technology to the coronavirus - that was flagged as false information by Instagram. The Djoker has always held controversial opinions - but now his leadership as the head of the ATP players’ council is also under question. "I don't know. Honestly, when I sit in those meetings, I don't know how they -- how it really works and how they get to those positions but, put it this way, I don't think he (Novak Djokovic) should be having a players' party and dancing all over each other and then two very good tennis players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it's transpired really Criticism of Djokovic from his fellow players began earlier this month when he opposed the u-s open going ahead over what he called 'extreme protocols'... The Serbian was also accused of missing key player council meetings with the ATP about safety and tennis's plans to return to action in order to play football. Last year - he was instrumental in the exit of ATP chief executive Chris Kermode...prompting such concern from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that they decided to rejoin the 10-man council and provide a powerful contrarian view... Now that his Adria Tour has single-handedly jeopardised the return of tour-level tennis - it is inconceivable for Djokovic to be allowed to continue as the chief representative of the interests of all the players.

Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic

<p>Iconic tennis star Andy Murray has said that he was not surprised to see world no.1 Novak Djokovic test positive for COVID_19 following the completion of the first leg of the Adria Tour.&nbsp;Djokovic was the fourth player to have tested positive for COVID-19 after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki who all discovered they have coronavirus</p>

<p>Social distancing was hardly followed when the first leg of the Adria Tour took place in Serbia and Croatia. Initially, Djokovic had dismissed criticism of the event as he insisted the rules in those countries were followed.</p>

<p>However, the Adria Tour has now been cancelled with Djokovic and his wife testing positive for coronavirus. Djokovic will spend 14 days in isolation with his family.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-deeply-sorry-we-were-wrong-novak-djokovic-issues-apology-on-adria-tour-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308169" hreflang="en">'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>Whereas Andy Murray, who defeated Liam Broady 6-2, 6-2 in the Battle of Brits at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, was critical of the Adria Tour as he said he was not surprised to see the positive tests after seeing videos of the players partying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>I don't think it was a surprise really: Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic testing positive for COVID-19</strong></h2>

<p>“I would say first I hope him and his wife are well and that they recover. And everyone who is affected," Murray said.</p>

<p>“But in hindsight, it was obviously something that shouldn't have gone ahead. I don't think it was a surprise really after seeing some of the videos at the players party and the kid's day. There was no social distancing in place. We are trying the best that we can here too.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>“Some people said it could put the US Open in doubt. And it may well do. I think all of the players now will be extremely aware of this and the coronavirus doesn't care who we are and what we do and we have to observe the rules.</p>

<p>“I don't think it has been a great look for tennis.</p>

<p>"The only positive is that until it is safe to do so, we have no fans at the event to reduce the risk as much as possible.”</p>

<p>Djokovic has since apologized for putting everyone in danger while admitting it was too early to conduct the event.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Iconic tennis star Andy Murray has said that he was not surprised to see world no.1 Novak Djokovic test positive for COVID_19 following the completion of the first leg of the Adria Tour.

Iconic tennis star Andy Murray has said that he was not surprised to see world no.1 Novak Djokovic test positive for COVID_19 following the completion of the first leg of the Adria Tour. Djokovic was the fourth player to have tested positive for COVID-19 after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki who all discovered they have coronavirus Social distancing was hardly followed when the first leg of the Adria Tour took place in Serbia and Croatia. Initially, Djokovic had dismissed criticism of the event as he insisted the rules in those countries were followed. However, the Adria Tour has now been cancelled with Djokovic and his wife testing positive for coronavirus. Djokovic will spend 14 days in isolation with his family. ALSO READ: 'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus Whereas Andy Murray, who defeated Liam Broady 6-2, 6-2 in the Battle of Brits at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, was critical of the Adria Tour as he said he was not surprised to see the positive tests after seeing videos of the players partying. I don't think it was a surprise really: Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic testing positive for COVID-19 “I would say first I hope him and his wife are well and that they recover. And everyone who is affected," Murray said. “But in hindsight, it was obviously something that shouldn't have gone ahead. I don't think it was a surprise really after seeing some of the videos at the players party and the kid's day. There was no social distancing in place. We are trying the best that we can here too. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour “Some people said it could put the US Open in doubt. And it may well do. I think all of the players now will be extremely aware of this and the coronavirus doesn't care who we are and what we do and we have to observe the rules. “I don't think it has been a great look for tennis. "The only positive is that until it is safe to do so, we have no fans at the event to reduce the risk as much as possible.” Djokovic has since apologized for putting everyone in danger while admitting it was too early to conduct the event.

'Wasn't a surprise really': Andy Murray reacts to Novak Djokovic testing positive for coronavirus

<p>Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted after world no. 1 Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the first leg of much-talked-about Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic follows Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov, who were tested positive after taking part in the Serbian’s Adria Tour.</p>

<p>The tennis event was central to heavy criticism as crowds were allowed with no social distancing norms in place. Players were seen embracing at nets with ball kids in the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios took to social media platform Twitter to post a series of tweets in reaction to Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>As the news broke on social media, Kryrgios in his first tweet wrote: “Oh boy.” However, the Australian followed with another tweet where he posted a video in which the Djokovic and others are seen partying in a nightclub in Belgrade.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh boy. <a href="https://t.co/Cb1iuLSX9i">https://t.co/Cb1iuLSX9i</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1275405253446266880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1275408778087657473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

<p>Kyrgios was one of the tennis stars to have raised his voice against the conduction of Adria Tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>“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,” Kyrgios had earlier tweeted after Boran Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ 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></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1274971571363344386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kyrgios is also one of the players to have constantly questioned the motive behind scheduling the US Open later in the year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smh - people that live in the US of course are pushing the Open to go ahead 🤦🏽‍♂️ ‘Selfish’ I’ll get my hazmat suit ready for when I travel from Australia and then have to quarantine for 2 weeks on my return.</p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1272687984882577408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the latest results of elite players being tested COVID-19 positive, question remains whether the sport is ready to come back to life after a prolonged break.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted after world no. 1 Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the first leg of much-talked-about Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans last week.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios reacted after world no. 1 Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of the first leg of much-talked-about Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans last week. Djokovic follows Boran Coric and Grigor Dimitrov, who were tested positive after taking part in the Serbian’s Adria Tour. The tennis event was central to heavy criticism as crowds were allowed with no social distancing norms in place. Players were seen embracing at nets with ball kids in the court. Kyrgios took to social media platform Twitter to post a series of tweets in reaction to Djokovic being tested positive for coronavirus. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world As the news broke on social media, Kryrgios in his first tweet wrote: “Oh boy.” However, the Australian followed with another tweet where he posted a video in which the Djokovic and others are seen partying in a nightclub in Belgrade. Oh boy. https://t.co/Cb1iuLSX9i — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 23, 2020 × 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, 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. Kyrgios was one of the tennis stars to have raised his voice against the conduction of Adria Tour. ALSO READ: Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19 “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,” Kyrgios had earlier tweeted after Boran Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ 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 × Kyrgios is also one of the players to have constantly questioned the motive behind scheduling the US Open later in the year. Smh - people that live in the US of course are pushing the Open to go ahead 🤦🏽‍♂️ ‘Selfish’ I’ll get my hazmat suit ready for when I travel from Australia and then have to quarantine for 2 weeks on my return. — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 16, 2020 × However, the latest results of elite players being tested COVID-19 positive, question remains whether the sport is ready to come back to life after a prolonged break.

Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour

<p>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.</p>

<h2><strong>Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19</strong></h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p><strong>Novak Djokovic's full statement:</strong></p>

<p><strong><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" /></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday he has tested positive for coronavirus after pulling out of an exhibition tournament which also featured world number one Novak Djokovic.</p>

<p>"I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19," world number 19 Dimitrov wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p>"I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering."</p>

<p>Last weekend, Dimitrov, 29, took part in the Adria Tour event in Belgrade with Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked seven.</p>

<p>He also played in the second leg of the Balkans tournament in Zadar on Croatia's Adriatic coast on Saturday.</p>

<p>However, he withdrew after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell.</p>

<p>Later on Sunday, the final between Djokovic and Russia's Andrey Rublev was immediately cancelled as a precaution.</p>

<p>"This is the best possible decision. We have to take care about security of all involved," former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, the tournament director of the Zadar event, said in remarks quoted by local media.</p>

<p>"Those who were in contact with Grigor will be tested. I tested by chance three days ago and I'm negative."</p>

<p>Zverev and former US Open winner Marin Cilic were also in the Croatia line-up.</p>

<p>"I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions," added Dimitrov.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- 'Novak took news very hard' -</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic's brother Djordje, who is the overall tournament director, told Sportske Novosti daily paper online edition: "Novak? He took this news very hard. We undertook all the measures prescribed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia."</p>

<p>Bulgarian Dimitrov is a former world number three who was the ATP Tour Finals champion in 2017, one of his eight career titles.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour, organised to fill the gap in the virus-hit tennis calendar which has been on ice since mid-March, played out to a daily crowd of 4,000 fans at Djokovic's tennis centre on the banks of the Danube in Belgrade last week.</p>

<p>Dimitrov, Djokovic and Thiem, as well as the other players, were then seen partying at a packed Belgrade night spot.</p>

<p>Thiem has since travelled to the south of France to play in another exhibition tournament, the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Nice.</p>

<p>On Sunday, tournament chief Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, tweeted a picture of Thiem undergoing a coronavirus test at the event being staged at his tennis academy.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour had already suffered an embarrassing setback when the planned Montenegro leg of the four-nation tournament was cancelled over coronavirus protocol rules.</p>

<p>Montenegro was due to be the third stop on June 27 and 28 after Croatia and before the conclusion in Bosnia.</p>

<p>But organisers said the visit to Montenegro had to be called off when it became apparent Serbia did not match strict health requirements.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, asked to comment on social distancing measures during the Belgrade leg, Djokovic said both Serbia and the region had been relatively successful in containing the virus.</p>

<p>"Of course you can criticise, you can also say this is dangerous or not, but it's not up to me to make the calls what is health-wise right or wrong," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told reporters, stressing he was acting in line with recommendations of the Serbian government.</p>

<p>Last week, the ATP and WTA said they were restarting their tours in August.</p>

<p>However, the US Open in New York will be played behind closed doors and under strict health protocols which Djokovic has described as "extreme" and "impossible".</p>

<p>The drama surrounding Dimitrov's test brought sympathy but also questions from fellow players.</p>

<p>"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," tweeted French player Alize Cornet.</p>

<p>Noah Rubin of the US added: "It's just not okay. Reckless and disappointing that they thought tennis deserved the risk."</p>


Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday he has tested positive for coronavirus after pulling out of an exhibition tournament which also featured world number one Novak Djokovic.

Grigor Dimitrov said on Sunday he has tested positive for coronavirus after pulling out of an exhibition tournament which also featured world number one Novak Djokovic. "I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19," world number 19 Dimitrov wrote on Instagram. "I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering." Last weekend, Dimitrov, 29, took part in the Adria Tour event in Belgrade with Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked seven. He also played in the second leg of the Balkans tournament in Zadar on Croatia's Adriatic coast on Saturday. However, he withdrew after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell. Later on Sunday, the final between Djokovic and Russia's Andrey Rublev was immediately cancelled as a precaution. "This is the best possible decision. We have to take care about security of all involved," former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, the tournament director of the Zadar event, said in remarks quoted by local media. "Those who were in contact with Grigor will be tested. I tested by chance three days ago and I'm negative." Zverev and former US Open winner Marin Cilic were also in the Croatia line-up. "I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions," added Dimitrov. - 'Novak took news very hard' - Djokovic's brother Djordje, who is the overall tournament director, told Sportske Novosti daily paper online edition: "Novak? He took this news very hard. We undertook all the measures prescribed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia." Bulgarian Dimitrov is a former world number three who was the ATP Tour Finals champion in 2017, one of his eight career titles. The Adria Tour, organised to fill the gap in the virus-hit tennis calendar which has been on ice since mid-March, played out to a daily crowd of 4,000 fans at Djokovic's tennis centre on the banks of the Danube in Belgrade last week. Dimitrov, Djokovic and Thiem, as well as the other players, were then seen partying at a packed Belgrade night spot. Thiem has since travelled to the south of France to play in another exhibition tournament, the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Nice. On Sunday, tournament chief Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, tweeted a picture of Thiem undergoing a coronavirus test at the event being staged at his tennis academy. The Adria Tour had already suffered an embarrassing setback when the planned Montenegro leg of the four-nation tournament was cancelled over coronavirus protocol rules. Montenegro was due to be the third stop on June 27 and 28 after Croatia and before the conclusion in Bosnia. But organisers said the visit to Montenegro had to be called off when it became apparent Serbia did not match strict health requirements. Meanwhile, asked to comment on social distancing measures during the Belgrade leg, Djokovic said both Serbia and the region had been relatively successful in containing the virus. "Of course you can criticise, you can also say this is dangerous or not, but it's not up to me to make the calls what is health-wise right or wrong," the 17-time Grand Slam winner told reporters, stressing he was acting in line with recommendations of the Serbian government. Last week, the ATP and WTA said they were restarting their tours in August. However, the US Open in New York will be played behind closed doors and under strict health protocols which Djokovic has described as "extreme" and "impossible". The drama surrounding Dimitrov's test brought sympathy but also questions from fellow players. "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," tweeted French player Alize Cornet. Noah Rubin of the US added: "It's just not okay. Reckless and disappointing that they thought tennis deserved the risk."

'I'm so sorry': Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus after playing in Djokovic event

<p>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;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><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>

<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></p>
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<p>Dimitrov was a part of the Adria Tour along with Novak Djokovic, world number three Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, ranked 17.</p>

<p>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"</p>

<p>Dimitrov withdrew from the Balkans tournament after losing to Borna Coric, complaining of feeling unwell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.</p>


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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ 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></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1274971571363344386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noahrubin33/status/1274877238836592642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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 ?<br />
Get better soon Grigor 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF">https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF</a></p>
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) <a href="https://twitter.com/alizecornet/status/1274794894075334664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>He described health protocols as "extreme" and "impossible".</p>

<p>However, organisers will have been encouraged by the positive noises coming from the three-time US Open champion on Thursday.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"So a lot of people, including myself, were quite sceptical on whether it would happen or not.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- 'Perpetuating my unemployment' -</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty as well as Wimbledon champion Simona Halep have also expressed reservations.</p>

<p>The US Open will be played without fans in attendance while strict health protocols will be in place.</p>

<p>However, there has been anger at the decision to drop qualifying from the tournament.</p>

<p>"Cheers to ATP and US Open for further perpetuating my unemployment," tweeted world number 195 Mitchell Krueger of the United States.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>There was also anger too at the decision not to stage a wheelchair tournament at the US Open this year.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"The wheelchair players have had ZERO communication or consultation from either the ITF or the Grand Slam around this decision."</p>

<p>International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons added: "The decision has left a lot of the athlete community rightly upset and angered".</p>


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

<p>World number two Simona Halep is “highly unlikely” to play in the U.S. Open with organisers set to put strict health protocols in place for the Grand Slam due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a spokeswoman for the Romanian told Reuters.</p>

<p>The United States Tennis Association (USTA) received the green light to hold their marquee tournament in New York as scheduled from Aug. 31-Sept. 13 without fans.</p>

<p>New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the USTA would take “extraordinary precautions” to protect players, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space and dedicated accommodation.</p>

<p>“Everyone is still waiting on an official announcement of details from the U.S. Open and tours about the season,” the spokeswoman said in a statement to Reuters.</p>

<p>“But if the conditions are as set out on paper for U.S. Open, as Simo (Halep) has been consistent in saying, it’s highly unlikely she will play.”</p>

<p>Her coach Darren Cahill had told Reuters last week the protocols were “incredibly difficult” and would probably not work for the two-times Grand Slam winner.</p>

<p>The USTA and men’s and women’s tours are expected to provide details later on Wednesday.</p>

<p>“Of course the conditions of the U.S. Open can still change and it is my understanding that the players will have well into July to decide whether to enter or not,” the spokeswoman said, adding that it was a “fluid situation so nothing is set in stone”.</p>

<p>Men’s No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his women’s counterpart Ash Barty have also raised concerns about playing in the tournament under health protocols while Nick Kyrgios said the USTA was being “selfish” by opting to go ahead with it.</p>

<p>American world No.21 John Isner tweeted his support for the decision to go ahead with the tournament.</p>

<p>“Well done @usta for being so forward thinking in getting this done. Players and fans alike are thrilled with this development. Time to get back on the courts!”</p>


World number two Simona Halep is “highly unlikely” to play in the U.S. Open with organisers set to put strict health protocols in place for the Grand Slam due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a spokeswoman for the Romanian told Reuters.

World number two Simona Halep is “highly unlikely” to play in the U.S. Open with organisers set to put strict health protocols in place for the Grand Slam due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a spokeswoman for the Romanian told Reuters. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) received the green light to hold their marquee tournament in New York as scheduled from Aug. 31-Sept. 13 without fans. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the USTA would take “extraordinary precautions” to protect players, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space and dedicated accommodation. “Everyone is still waiting on an official announcement of details from the U.S. Open and tours about the season,” the spokeswoman said in a statement to Reuters. “But if the conditions are as set out on paper for U.S. Open, as Simo (Halep) has been consistent in saying, it’s highly unlikely she will play.” Her coach Darren Cahill had told Reuters last week the protocols were “incredibly difficult” and would probably not work for the two-times Grand Slam winner. The USTA and men’s and women’s tours are expected to provide details later on Wednesday. “Of course the conditions of the U.S. Open can still change and it is my understanding that the players will have well into July to decide whether to enter or not,” the spokeswoman said, adding that it was a “fluid situation so nothing is set in stone”. Men’s No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his women’s counterpart Ash Barty have also raised concerns about playing in the tournament under health protocols while Nick Kyrgios said the USTA was being “selfish” by opting to go ahead with it. American world No.21 John Isner tweeted his support for the decision to go ahead with the tournament. “Well done @usta for being so forward thinking in getting this done. Players and fans alike are thrilled with this development. Time to get back on the courts!”

Halep 'highly unlikely' to play restricted U.S. Open

<p>The Rogers Cup men's tennis tournament in Canada won't be played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.<br />
Tennis Canada announced Wednesday that the event's start date will be pushed back until Aug. 7, 2021.</p>

<p>The annual ATP Tour event, which rotates between Toronto and Montreal, was scheduled to be played Aug. 8-16 in Toronto.</p>

<p>With the Rogers Cup 2020 women's tournament in Montreal shelved earlier this month and rescheduled for next year in the same city, the men's event also will remain in Toronto in 2021.</p>

<p>Founded in 1881 as the Canadian championships, the men's tournament has been held every year except for 1905, 1915-18 (World War I) and 1941-45 (World War II).</p>


The Rogers Cup men's tennis tournament in Canada won't be played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tennis Canada announced Wednesday that the event's start date will be pushed back until Aug.

The Rogers Cup men's tennis tournament in Canada won't be played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Tennis Canada announced Wednesday that the event's start date will be pushed back until Aug. 7, 2021. The annual ATP Tour event, which rotates between Toronto and Montreal, was scheduled to be played Aug. 8-16 in Toronto. With the Rogers Cup 2020 women's tournament in Montreal shelved earlier this month and rescheduled for next year in the same city, the men's event also will remain in Toronto in 2021. Founded in 1881 as the Canadian championships, the men's tournament has been held every year except for 1905, 1915-18 (World War I) and 1941-45 (World War II).

Rogers Cup men's tennis tournament pushed to '21

<p>Serena Williams is planning to play in the 2020 U.S. Open. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said in a video shown during the U.S. Tennis Association's tournament presentation Wednesday that she "cannot wait to return"&nbsp;to New York for the major championship, she has won six times.</p>

<p>The 38-year-old American was the runner-up in Flushing Meadows each of the past two years.</p>

<p>The U.S. Open normally is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of each season. It will be held without spectators from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13, making it be the second major of 2020, following the Australian Open, which concluded in early February.</p>

<p>The French Open was postponed from May because of the coronavirus pandemic and currently is scheduled to start a week after the U.S. Open ends. Wimbledon was canceled altogether for the first time since World War II in 1945.</p>


Serena Williams is planning to play in the 2020 U.S. Open. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said in a video shown during the U.S. Tennis Association's tournament presentation Wednesday that she "cannot wait to return" to New York for the major championship, she has won six times.

Serena Williams is planning to play in the 2020 U.S. Open. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said in a video shown during the U.S. Tennis Association's tournament presentation Wednesday that she "cannot wait to return" to New York for the major championship, she has won six times. The 38-year-old American was the runner-up in Flushing Meadows each of the past two years. The U.S. Open normally is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of each season. It will be held without spectators from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13, making it be the second major of 2020, following the Australian Open, which concluded in early February. The French Open was postponed from May because of the coronavirus pandemic and currently is scheduled to start a week after the U.S. Open ends. Wimbledon was canceled altogether for the first time since World War II in 1945.

23-time major champ Serena Williams says she'll play US Open

<p>The United States Tennis Association is set to host the US Open this year, behind closed doors, amid the COVID-19, despite some of the elite players expressing concerns surrounding the tournament due to the dreaded virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per multiple reports, the USTA will announce this week that the US Open will be held between August 31 to September 13 in New York with support of ATP and WTA.</p>

<p>The reports further suggested that the men’s and women’s tours are “happening or almost there” with the USTA waiting for a green light from local and state health officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-breaks-down-in-tears-after-hosting-belgrade-charity-exhibition-305947" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition</a></strong></p>

<p>“We’re following each step in the procedure that we need to with the great hope that we can announce that the 2020 U.S. Open will be played in its regularly scheduled date,” USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in an email to Reuters.</p>

<p>“We hope to make an announcement regarding the status of the 2020 U.S. Open in the very near future.”</p>

<p>Tennis has been on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown will extend until August. While the Wimbledon was cancelled, the French Open was moved to September and is scheduled to start one week after the US Open men’s final. The likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have expressed concerns about attending the tournament whereas Nick Kyrgios has slammed the organisers for being “selfish”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-star-marcelo-takes-a-knee-to-show-solidarity-to-black-lives-matter-campaign-305901" hreflang="en">Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was turned into a temporary hospital to help the country combat the deadly virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Open 2018 drew an all-time attendance record of nearly 740,000 fans.</p>


The United States Tennis Association is set to host the US Open this year, behind closed doors, amid the COVID-19, despite some of the elite players expressing concerns surrounding the tournament due to the dreaded virus.

The United States Tennis Association is set to host the US Open this year, behind closed doors, amid the COVID-19, despite some of the elite players expressing concerns surrounding the tournament due to the dreaded virus. As per multiple reports, the USTA will announce this week that the US Open will be held between August 31 to September 13 in New York with support of ATP and WTA. The reports further suggested that the men’s and women’s tours are “happening or almost there” with the USTA waiting for a green light from local and state health officials. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition “We’re following each step in the procedure that we need to with the great hope that we can announce that the 2020 U.S. Open will be played in its regularly scheduled date,” USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in an email to Reuters. “We hope to make an announcement regarding the status of the 2020 U.S. Open in the very near future.” Tennis has been on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown will extend until August. While the Wimbledon was cancelled, the French Open was moved to September and is scheduled to start one week after the US Open men’s final. The likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have expressed concerns about attending the tournament whereas Nick Kyrgios has slammed the organisers for being “selfish”. ALSO READ: Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign Meanwhile, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was turned into a temporary hospital to help the country combat the deadly virus. The US Open 2018 drew an all-time attendance record of nearly 740,000 fans.

US Open to go ahead behind closed doors amid COVID-19: Reports

<p>An emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex nearby the Danube River on Sunday. Even though the Serbian ace missed the spot in the final of the Adria Tour, wherein Dominic Thiem defeated Filip Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2, the 17-time Grand Slam winner revived plenty of memories after staging the charity event while international tennis remains suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>“I was very emotional on the court today. Childhood memories started flooding back, including those of growing up on these courts and playing here as a young boy,” the 33-year-old told reporters after being cheered on by a 4,000-strong capacity crowd.</p>

<p>“I was overwhelmed and those were tears of joy after the match.</p>

<p><img alt="Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa15b758-ad76-4555-88eb-dee2caca0417" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG3IC.jpg" /></p>

<p>“I try to give back to where I come from and be conscious of my childhood and my upbringing. This tennis was an epicentre of people from my childhood days getting together for this tournament, including my former coaches. They were all here.”</p>

<p>However, Djokovic defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Sunday in what was his last match of the round-robin stage but failed to secure a place in the summit clash after both the players and Krajinovic ended up with 2-1 loss records and 5-3 set difference.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-lockdown-winners-and-losers-305939" hreflang="en">Premier League lockdown: winners and losers</a></strong></p>

<p>Krajinovic, who pulled off an upset by defeating Djokovic on Saturday, went past in the final on the basis of having the best games differential among the three. However, he fell short against the energetic Thiem in the final.</p>

<p>“This tournament was for a good cause and we all gave our best,” Thiem said after finishing off the weekend with a 100% winning record.</p>

<p><img alt="Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b57f55a-6383-4cbb-b991-d51167fde8a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG2PB.jpg" /></p>

<p>“Many high quality matches in a great atmosphere, in front of a full crowd, so it was a perfect weekend.<br />
&nbsp;“A very big thank you to everyone including Novak and his team, you all made my first trip to Serbia a very special one.”</p>

<p>The eight-man event features best-of-seven games with the second leg of the Adria Tour scheduled to be held in Croatia’s Zadar next weekend. The third leg of the tour slated to be played in Montenegro on June 27 and 28 was cancelled on Saturday over COVID-19 concerns with the final leg set for Bosnia’s Banja Luka on July 3 and 4.&nbsp;</p>


An emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex nearby the Danube River on Sunday. Even though the Serbian ace missed the spot in the final of the Adria Tour, wherein Dominic Thiem defeated Filip Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2, the 17-time Grand Slam winner revived plenty of memories after staging the charity event while international tennis remains suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.

An emotional Novak Djokovic broke down in tears while hosting a charity event at his tennis complex nearby the Danube River on Sunday. Even though the Serbian ace missed the spot in the final of the Adria Tour, wherein Dominic Thiem defeated Filip Krajinovic 4-3, 2-4, 4-2, the 17-time Grand Slam winner revived plenty of memories after staging the charity event while international tennis remains suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic. “I was very emotional on the court today. Childhood memories started flooding back, including those of growing up on these courts and playing here as a young boy,” the 33-year-old told reporters after being cheered on by a 4,000-strong capacity crowd. “I was overwhelmed and those were tears of joy after the match. “I try to give back to where I come from and be conscious of my childhood and my upbringing. This tennis was an epicentre of people from my childhood days getting together for this tournament, including my former coaches. They were all here.” However, Djokovic defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Sunday in what was his last match of the round-robin stage but failed to secure a place in the summit clash after both the players and Krajinovic ended up with 2-1 loss records and 5-3 set difference. ALSO READ: Premier League lockdown: winners and losers Krajinovic, who pulled off an upset by defeating Djokovic on Saturday, went past in the final on the basis of having the best games differential among the three. However, he fell short against the energetic Thiem in the final. “This tournament was for a good cause and we all gave our best,” Thiem said after finishing off the weekend with a 100% winning record. “Many high quality matches in a great atmosphere, in front of a full crowd, so it was a perfect weekend. “A very big thank you to everyone including Novak and his team, you all made my first trip to Serbia a very special one.” The eight-man event features best-of-seven games with the second leg of the Adria Tour scheduled to be held in Croatia’s Zadar next weekend. The third leg of the tour slated to be played in Montenegro on June 27 and 28 was cancelled on Saturday over COVID-19 concerns with the final leg set for Bosnia’s Banja Luka on July 3 and 4.

Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>The tennis season has been on hold since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with Roland Garros postponed and Wimbledon cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Open is still scheduled to go ahead, with the main draw starting on August 31.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"At the moment the measures in force are very severe," he said.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>Last week world number two, and reigning US Open champion,&nbsp;Rafael Nadal expressed similar reservations.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyrgios said that it is too early to begin the Grand Slam. The Aussie joined other players including Novak Djokovic for expressing disagreement on the move.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. <a href="https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB">https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1270963096022994944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment," Kyrgios said on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion."</p>

<p>"Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion."</p>

<p>Earlier, Novak Djokovic said that he might skip his tour to North America and will restart his tennis season in Europe, he complained about "severe" measures being put in place at the US Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: "Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going."</p>

<p>Spanish tennis ace and reigning US Open champion Rafa Nadal expressed similar feelings. Top-ranked woman Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon.</p>


Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests.

Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests. Kyrgios said that it is too early to begin the Grand Slam. The Aussie joined other players including Novak Djokovic for expressing disagreement on the move. The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 11, 2020 × "The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment," Kyrgios said on Twitter. "Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion." "Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion." Earlier, Novak Djokovic said that he might skip his tour to North America and will restart his tennis season in Europe, he complained about "severe" measures being put in place at the US Open. He said: "Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going." Spanish tennis ace and reigning US Open champion Rafa Nadal expressed similar feelings. Top-ranked woman Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon.

Nick Kyrgios calls ATP 'selfish' for going ahead with US Open

<p>Swiss maestro Roger Federer has ruled himself out of the rest of 2020 tennis season after undergoing additional arthroscopic surgery on his right knee much as he did leading up to the 2017 season. The 20-time Grand Slam winner underwent the knife in February 2020, but his rehabilitation didn’t go as planned and giving a major shock to his fans, Federer won’t return to action until next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 38-year-old took to social media as he provided an update to everyone. He confirmed that he will be back on tour at the start of 2021 season.</p>

<p>"Dear fans," Federer began. "I hope you are staying safe and healthy.</p>

<p>"A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I&nbsp;had to have an additional arthroscopic procedure on my right knee.</p>

<p>"Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 per cent ready to play at my highest level.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-confirms-protest-ban-remains-report-304754" hreflang="en">IOC confirms protest ban remains - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>"I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly but I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season. All the best, Roger."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/zXnR7gAZQA">pic.twitter.com/zXnR7gAZQA</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1270605149526986752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-faces-criminal-complaint-for-homophobia-304747" hreflang="en">Neymar faces criminal complaint for homophobia</a></strong></p>

<p>Federer’s initial surgery took place just before the COVID-19 outbreak and as all sporting events were either cancelled or postponed, the Swiss star didn’t miss any events. Fans were eagerly waiting to see Federer step up in the US Open and French Open later in the year 2020.</p>

<p>However, with such a long time on the sidelines, it remains to be seen whether the veteran can regain his peak fitness and form. The world No. 4 is set to turn 39 next year.</p>


Swiss maestro Roger Federer has ruled himself out of the rest of 2020 tennis season after undergoing additional arthroscopic surgery on his right knee much as he did leading up to the 2017 season.

Swiss maestro Roger Federer has ruled himself out of the rest of 2020 tennis season after undergoing additional arthroscopic surgery on his right knee much as he did leading up to the 2017 season. The 20-time Grand Slam winner underwent the knife in February 2020, but his rehabilitation didn’t go as planned and giving a major shock to his fans, Federer won’t return to action until next year. The 38-year-old took to social media as he provided an update to everyone. He confirmed that he will be back on tour at the start of 2021 season. "Dear fans," Federer began. "I hope you are staying safe and healthy. "A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I had to have an additional arthroscopic procedure on my right knee. "Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 per cent ready to play at my highest level. ALSO READ: IOC confirms protest ban remains - Report "I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly but I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season. All the best, Roger." pic.twitter.com/zXnR7gAZQA — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 10, 2020 × ALSO READ: Neymar faces criminal complaint for homophobia Federer’s initial surgery took place just before the COVID-19 outbreak and as all sporting events were either cancelled or postponed, the Swiss star didn’t miss any events. Fans were eagerly waiting to see Federer step up in the US Open and French Open later in the year 2020. However, with such a long time on the sidelines, it remains to be seen whether the veteran can regain his peak fitness and form. The world No. 4 is set to turn 39 next year.

Roger Federer to miss rest of 2020 season after second knee surgery

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