Dominic Thiem follows Novak Djokovic with heartfelt apology for ‘euphoric behaviour’
The Austrian won the Belgrade leg of the controversial Adria Tour, where Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki contracted Covid-19
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dominic Thiem has repeated Novak Djokovic by insisting he is ”extremely sorry” for his conduct during the controversial Adria Tour after four players tested positive for coronavirus.
Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all returned positive Covid-19 following the exhibition events in Serbia and Croatia.
Despite the pandemic forcing severe restrictions on elite sport around the world, images and videos were shared of the players hugging at the net, playing basketball together and mixing in close proximity.
Australian Open finalist Thiem won the Belgrade leg of the tournament at Djokovic’s tennis centre by the Danube River.
But the 26-year-old has now been humbled after a string of positive tests and fierce backlash from the tennis community about the risks taken in staging the events.
“We played without an audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event,” Thiem said in an Instagram post. “We trusted the Serbian government’s corona rules, but we have been too optimistic.
“Our behaviour was a mistake, we acted too euphorically. I am extremely sorry.”
Though the players were not breaking government protocols during the tournament, it highlighted the risks of athletes from different countries mingling without adhering to what have become social distancing norms.
Thiem, also a two-times finalist at Roland Garros, did not play in Zadar as he had signed up to join the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, which is being held on weekends at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France.
“I’ve now got tested five times within the last ten days and the result was always negative. I wish everyone who is infected all the best and quick recovery,” Thiem added.
Reuters contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments