BELGRADE:
Novak Djokovic tested positive for the
coronavirus on Tuesday after taking part in a
tennis exhibition series he organized in Serbia and Croatia.
The top-ranked Serb is the fourth player to test positive for the virus after first playing in Belgrade and then again last weekend in Zadar, Croatia. His wife also tested positive.
``The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested. My result is positive, just as Jelena's, while the results of our children are negative,`` Djokovic said in a statement.
Djokovic has been criticized for organizing the tournament and bringing in players from other countries amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Viktor Troicki said Tuesday that he and his pregnant wife have both been diagnosed with the virus, while Grigor Dimitrov, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist from Bulgaria, said Sunday he tested positive. Borna Coric played Dimitrov on Saturday in Zadar and said Monday he has also tested positive.
There were no social distancing measures observed at the matches in either country.
``Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions,'' Djokovic said. ``Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.''
Djokovic, who has previously said he was against taking a vaccine for the virus even if it became mandatory to travel, was the face behind the Adria Tour, a series of exhibition events that started in the Serbian capital and then moved to Zadar.
He left Croatia after the final was canceled and was tested in Belgrade.
Despite the positive test, he defended the exhibition series.
``It was all born with a philanthropic idea, to direct all raised funds towards people in need and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded to this,'' Djokovic said. ``We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.
``Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.''
Djokovic said he will remain in self-isolation for 14 days and also apologized to anyone who became infected as a result of the series.
Covid-19 Bankrupcy Hits ALDO, Gold's Gym And Other Companies
Pandemic Side-Effects
8 Jun, 2020
Covid-19 has forced lockdowns in countries across the world. The inability for businesses to run normally has taken a toll on many of them. Filing for bankruptcy helps companies get relief from creditors. Here are a few who have gone that route in the last month.
ALDO
8 Jun, 2020
The Canadian shoe retailer filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago. ALDO has asked for protection using the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). The company is seeking to stabalise business which has suffered due to closing of their outlets across the globe. They have about 3,000 stores in various parts of the world.Money involved: The company's pre-petition debt is around $214 million which is a revolving loan by the Bank of Montreal which would mature in October 2022.
Avianca
8 Jun, 2020
The Columbian airline company, the second oldest in the world filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. Avianca has had all their airplanes grounded since March when the aviation industry suffered a heavy blow due to Covid-19. The company employs 12,000 people in Latin America.Money involved: Last year, the company took around $375 million loans from United Airlines and Kingsland Holdings. They missed debt repayment of $66 million just before their bankruptcy filing.
Digicel
8 Jun, 2020
The Jamaican-based telecom company owned by Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien filed for bankruptcy in Bermuda and the US. Digicel is seeking to sort out their debt issues. The company functions in 32 markets around the world.Money involved: Court documents filed by the company state that they have around $7.4 billion outstanding debt.
Gold's Gym
8 Jun, 2020
The US fitness chain which has more than 700 gyms across the world have seen most closed amidst the pandemic. Founded by former bodybuilder Joe Gold, the company has been in the business for the last 50 years. The coronavirus has affected the company badly forcing them to file for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11.Money involved: The gym chains's debts are around $1.6 billion. (Image: AFP)