Tennis star Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus

(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 12, 2020 Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov attends a press conference of the Adria Tour, a charity exhibition hosted by Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, in Belgrade. - Grigor Dimitrov, world No 19, announced on June 21, 2020 that he had contracted the COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus), a week after taking part in the "Adria Tour", organized by Novak Djokovic in Belgrade, and where he had rubbed shoulders with several high-ranking tennis players including the world's number one Serbian. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)


Grigor Dimitrov took to Instagram to announce that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The tennis star was one of the players who took part in the Adria Tour with the likes Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem among others.

Taking to Instagram, the player 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.”

He also urged those who had come in contact with him over the last few days in Monaco should also get tested for the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, World number 1 Djokovic reached the final of his exhibition tournament in Zadar, Croatia, after easing through the round-robin group stage on the first day. This is the second stage of the Adria Tour with Austrian Dominic Thiem winning the first leg in Belgrade, Serbia.

Djokovic started by saving three set points in his 4-3, 4-1 win over fellow Serb Pedja Krstin. He then beat home favourite Borna Coric 4-1, 4-3 in front of several thousand fans at the Visnjik tennis complex.

The tournament in Zadar is being played on red clay over two days. In the other group, Russian Andrey Rublev is in pole position to advance into the final after wins over 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic and Serb Danilo Petrovic. He faces German star Alexander Zverev in the final round-robin match on Sunday who stayed in contention after beating Cilic 4-3, 0-4, 4-3.

Djokovic’s own inconsequential final group match is against Croatian Dino Serdarusic who replaced Grigor Dimitrov after the Bulgarian pulled out of the tournament with sickness following his opening 4-1, 4-1 loss to Coric.