Nick Kyrgios slams 'boneheaded' Novak Djokovic-led Adria Tour event

Jordan Greer

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Nick Kyrgios slams 'boneheaded' Novak Djokovic-led Adria Tour event image

The sudden end to the most recent leg of the Adria Tour didn't surprise Nick Kyrgios.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic chose to organize the charity event amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the decision to move forward ultimately backfired. Adria Tour participant Grigor Dimitrov announced on Instagram that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus after playing in the tournament, leading to the cancellation of Sunday's final between Djokovic and Andrey Rublev, which was set to be held in Zadar, Croatia. 

"I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions," Dimitrov said. "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."

Fellow Adria Tour player Borna Coric later revealed on Twitter that he had also tested positive for COVID-19. Coric said he was asymptomatic and used similar language to Dimitrov in apologizing for "any harm I might have caused."

The tennis community took plenty of shots at Djokovic and everyone else involved in the event for allowing fans to attend, ignoring social distancing protocols and choosing not to use face masks. Kyrgios ripped Adria Tour leadership and encouraged others to take the threat of COVID-19 seriously.

"Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the 'exhibition,'" Kyrgios tweeted Monday. "Speedy recovery fellas, but that's what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE."

Adria Tour participants, including Dimitrov and Djokovic, had previously faced criticism for playing in a pickup basketball game and going out to a nightclub.

Djokovic is reportedly waiting for the results of his own COVID-19 test and is scheduled to publicly address the controversy Tuesday. Djordje Djokovic, Novak’s younger brother and the director of the Adria Tour, said the event attempted to "comply with all prescribed epidemiological measures."

"We are taking all steps prescribed by the relevant services and we will act as we are told," Djordje said (via Tennis.com). "The first step of testing is all of us who have been in contact with Grigor. We are in contact with him and all the players, as well as everyone in the organization."

Zadar was the second leg for the Adria Tour after the first event in the series was held in Belgrade, Serbia. The next stops on the schedule have not yet been officially canceled.

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.