Novak Djokovic Tests Positive for Coronavirus

The tennis player tested positive after being filmed dancing at a crowded nightclub

Novak Djokovic frowns
Dumbass.
AFP via Getty Images

Fresh off the cancellation of his coronavirus-soaked Adria Tour exhibition series, Novak Djokovic has received a taste of his own medicine — or really, his lack thereof. A walking public heath crisis, Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus. 

“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. “Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions. Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.”

Although tennis is an easily socially-distanced sport, Djokovic and his brood still managed to contract the disease. In a coincidence of cosmic proportions, Djokovic and the other players on the Adria Tour (including the now-ill Grigor Dimitrov) were filmed on Sunday shirtlessly boogieing the night away at a packed Belgrade nightclub, because that’s definitely a very smart and cool thing to do now.

“Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with. I am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were,” Djokovic continued in his statement. “I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s health situation and that everyone will be fine.”

Fortunately, Djokovic and the other tennis players will almost certainly recover from the virus and will be back in full health in time to compete on Aug. 14 when the tennis season resumes. Still, Djokovic’s diagnosis is something bordering on karma, a reminder that stupid games yield stupid prizes.

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