“It’s Like a Witch Hunt” – Novak Djokovic Hits Back at Adria Tour Critics

Everyone was tense after Novak Djokovic tested positive for coronavirus in June. The World No.1 had organized the charity tour called ‘Adria Tour’ which was supposed to be held in four different places. But the tour was canceled just after the second leg as four players including Djokovic had contracted the virus. Fortunately, all of them have recovered and tested negative for the virus.

Djokovic did face a lot of criticism for not mandating masks and social distancing during the tour. The whole debacle split the tennis world. And later Djokovic apologized for the tour and said it happened with good intentions.

“If I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again” – Novak Djokovic

Recently, in an interview with the New York Times, Djokovic again emphasized that he organized the event with the right intentions. He acknowledged that some steps could have been taken and also spoke against the relentless criticism he was receiving for the tour.

“We tried to do something with the right intentions. Yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently, of course, but am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake? I mean, OK, if this is the way, fine, I’ll accept it, because that’s the only thing I can do,” Djokovic said

“Whether it’s fair or not, you tell me, but I know that the intentions were right and correct, and if I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again. I don’t think I’ve done anything bad, to be honest. I do feel sorry for people that were infected. Do I feel guilty for anybody that was infected from that point onward in Serbia, Croatia, and the region? Of course not. It’s like a witch hunt, to be honest. How can you blame one individual for everything?” he added.

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Djokovic has not paid attention to the criticism. He focused on his recovery and fitness. He is already in New York ready to participate in the Cincinnati Open and the US Open.

This year’s US Open will look different. There won’t be fans flocking Flushing Meadows to see their stars. And Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will also miss the Grand Slam. Such tough times have created extraordinary situations and let’s hope we have a safe and smooth US Open.