World No.1 Novak Djokovic should put his hand up and accept responsibility after three players tested positive for coronavirus while participating in his Adria Tour exhibition tournament, Briton Dan Evans said on Monday.
Grigor Dimitrov, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist from Bulgaria, announced on Sunday he had tested positive for the coronavirus. Borna Coric played Dimitrov on Saturday in Zadar and said on Monday he has also tested positive for the virus.
On Tuesday, Victor Troicki confirmed he was the third player to test positive who had competed at the event.
The tournament, which also had top names such as Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, was held in Belgrade and Zadar and the players were pictured playing basketball and dancing together without following social distancing protocols.
“I don’t think he should be having a players’ party and dancing all over each other,” Evans told reporters ahead of Jamie Murray‘s behind-closed-doors ‘Battle of the Brits’ tournament that begins on Tuesday.
“Two very good tennis players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it’s transpired, really.
“It’s very unfortunate that Grigor has it and Coric has it but you strip it back, is it a surprise? I think that’s the question we should all ask.”
Djokovic’s team confirmed that he has also taken a test to see if he has the virus with the results expected to be released on Tuesday.
The ATP and WTA Tours, which were suspended in March due to the pandemic, are set to resume in August with the US Open and French Open beginning on Aug. 31 and Sept. 27, respectively.
“I think we could definitely learn from that and hopefully that event doesn’t take away from the US Open,” Evans added of the Adria Tour exhibition tournament.
“I hope there’s no second guessing on the US Open now because of some unfortunate events.”
Murray said the spotlight will now be on the tournament in London but that they were taking all precautions to ensure nobody contracts the virus.
“All the guys got tested this morning, that was mandatory for everyone competing in the event,” Murray added.
“If someone is to fall ill during the week then they will obviously drop out, but then everyone will be basically getting tested daily from that point on to the end of the tournament.”