World No.33 Borna Coric is the latest tennis player to test positive for COVID-19 along with a couple other support staff who were working at the Adria Tour over the weekend.
Reports of the Croat testing positive started to circulate this morning when news outlet N1 said that as many as three players or staff members have tested positive for the virus according to Sime Vickovic, Chief of the Civil Protection Headquarters of Zadar County. The positive test has now been confirmed by Coric himself, who said in a brief statement that he is feeling well and has no symptoms at present.
“I wanted to inform you all that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during the last few days gets tested! I am really sorry for any harm I might have caused. I’m feeling well and don’t have any symptoms,” he wrote on Instagram.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Grigor Dimitrov, who was also playing at the Adria Tour, tested positive for the virus. Dimitrov pulled out of the competition on Saturday due to fatigue before undergoing a COVID-19 test the following day in Monaco which confirmed he has tested positive.
Sport Klub has also confirmed the identities of the two other people who have tested positive. One of them is Marko Paniki, who is the fitness coach of world No.1 Djokovic. It is understood that all other members of the Djokovic camp have tested negative. The other is Dimitrov’s coach Kristijan Groh. It is unknown if Paniki or Groh currently have any symptoms. Other players are believed to have tested negative.
The confirmation of the positive tests comes amid reports that world No.1 Djokovic opted not to undergo a test himself on Sunday evening. According to B92, he instead decided to go back to Belgrade where he will consult with doctors. Medical officials at the tournament reportedly said that COVID-19 testing was optional for those who showed no symptoms. Contradicting an earlier statement from the Adria Tour, in which they said all players will be tested.
Earlier this morning the Adria Tour issued a statement in which they said those who had been in contact with Dimitrov for more than 10 minutes should self-isolate. Besides playing tennis, players also took part in numerous activities including a basketball match and meeting members of the public.
“The organisers of the Adria Tour tennis tournament in Zadar, in accordance with the new situation around tennis player Grigor Dimitrov who tested positive for COVID 19, are in constant contact with the epidemiological service of Zadar County,” a statement reads.
“It is recommended that anyone who has been in close contact for more than 10 minutes with the tennis player be advised to self-isolate for 14 days and to contact their doctor.”
This advice will now be applicable to anybody who has been in contact with Coric, Paniki or Groh as well.
