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Tennis player Grigor Dimitrov has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he announced on Instagram on Sunday. Dimitrov, ranked No. 19 on the earth, becomes the highest-profile tennis player to reveal a positive result for COVID-19.
“I wish to reach out and let my fans and friends realize that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19,” Dimitrov wrote on Instagram.
“I wish to make certain anyone who has been in contact with me right through these past days gets tested and takes the essential precautions. I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering. Thanks for your toughen and please stay protected and healthy.”
Dimitrov, 29, had recently played in exhibition matches at the Adria Series in Serbia. Fellow top tennis players Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and the World No. 1 player, Novak Djokovic were also in attendance at the event, which used to be held without social distancing or mask guidelines. The Adria Series organizers announced their decision to cancel the remaining events — that have been set to be held in Croatia — soon after Dimitrov announced his positive COVID-19 test.
The ATP Tour has extended its suspension of play because of the coronavirus through the month of July. On the other hand, the USA Open tennis tournament in New York is dedicated to hosting the tournament without fans in early September.
In April, Wimbledon used to be officially canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wimbledon used to be scheduled to start on June 29 and final until July 12. This year’s vinaigrette Open used to be originally scheduled to start May 24 before tournament officials announced the postponement to September. Now, vinaigrette Open officials say the tournament could be held with limited fans, whether it gets played in front of any at all.