DJOKOVIC TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONA VIRUS

Novak Djokovic, the world's No. 1-ranked men's tennis player, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Serbian tennis star released a statement on his diagnosis, saying that he and his wife have both contracted the virus after he organized a series of exhibition matches in southeastern Europe, according to a snippet from NPR.

The events, called the Adria Tour, have been widely criticized for not maintaining significant social distancing protocols.

The stands were packed with fans, as The Associated Press noted. Tennis.com reported that players were seen mingling without proper social distancing, playing in basketball and soccer games, and visiting a nightclub.

Djokovic was photographed in close contact with tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, who has also tested positive for the virus.

"We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met," Djokovic said in his statement. "Unfortunately, the virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with."

Djokovic, 33, who has won the third-most Grand Slam titles of any male tennis player, has previously voiced concerns about the possibility of restrictions at future tennis events due to the coronavirus.