Novak Djokovic blasts coronavirus ‘witch hunt’ following controversial Adria Tour

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic believes there has been a global “witch hunt” against him since he contracted COVID-19 last month.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has copped backlash from all over the sporting world for his reckless behaviour amid a global health crisis, but the Serbian superstar still doesn’t seem to understand why.

Djokovic was one of four professional tennis players to test positive for the coronavirus after competing in the Adria Tour, a charity tournament he launched in Serbia and Croatia.

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There were no social distancing measures observed at the matches in either country — players were filmed hugging and high-fiving attendees in the packed crowds and at promotional events.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios called out the 17-time Grand Slam champion for his “stupidity” after he was later spotted dancing topless at a party in Belgrade.

Novak Djokovic poses with volunteers and players after the Adria Tour charity tournament.

Although he has been widely condemned for the controversial tournament, Djokovic is still reluctant to accept blame. The 33-year-old is adamant the Adria Tour complied with local social distancing regulations, and considered any “malicious” criticism to be unjust.

“I can only see criticism lately and much of it is malicious,” Djokovic told Sportski Zurnal.

“It’s obviously more than just criticism, it’s like an agenda and a witch hunt are on. Someone has to take the fall, a big name.

“My intention was pure, I was wholeheartedly committed to organising a humanitarian event to help players and tennis federations in the region. We complied with all the laws and regulations. But we’ve learned our lessons and some things could have probably been done in a different way.”

Last month, Djokovic’s father blamed the Adria Tour coronavirus outbreak on Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov.

“How did the infection come about? Probably because Dimitrov came sick, who knows where,” Srdjan Djokovic told broadcaster RTL.

“He was not tested in (the Croatian city of) Zadar, but somewhere else. I don’t think that’s right.

“He brought great harm to you in Croatia, and to us as a family, and to Serbia.”

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Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open men’s singles title in February.

Speaking to Serbian media this week, Djokovic also revealed he might not compete in the 2020 US Open due to this year’s congested tennis calendar.

“I’m not sure I’ll play in the US Open,” Djokovic said.

“I plan to play Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros in September.

“I fully support the USTA wish to hold tournaments in Washington, Cincinnati and the US Open because it’s very important for the survival of many tennis professionals.

“Like everyone, we are going through economic difficulties.

“Personally, I don’t have that kind of pressure that the others feel.

“And of course I understand them because the vast majority need to play now and earn money.

“I salute to the efforts being made to hold tournaments, especially in the USA and in Europe, despite this big crisis, but there is a limit to everything.”