Grigor Dimitrov still battling against coronavirus one month on from testing positive

World No 19 Grigor Dimitrov is still coming to terms with Covid-19, one month on from testing positive at Novak Djokovic‘s Adria Tour event. 

Dimitrov played basketball with Djokovic and others days before testing positive for the novel coronavirus. 

Players regularly ignored social distancing measures off the court during the event and a spate of positive tests followed, including Djokovic and his wife Jelena.   

Former world No 3 Dimitrov was pictured playing basketball with Novak Djokovic days before

‘Clearly I’m not ready to compete at the highest level right now,’ Dimitrov told Tennis Majors. 

‘The virus was hard on me so I stayed home for about a month.

‘I was not breathing well, was not feeling well. (I was) tired, you know, all the symptoms, had no taste, no smell. Everything you could possibly think of so it was no fun.

‘In a way I’m lucky to be on the court right now. You don’t know. One day I feel really well and I have four hours to be out but then all of a sudden I need to completely shut down and take a nap, or just rest.’

Dimitrov’s positive test saw the final of the event cancelled, before more positive tests emerged in the aftermath.  

There was criticism of participants when images were released of Dimitrov and Djokovic playing basketball during some downtime, clearly not abiding to the social distancing measures.  

Dimitrov later revealed that he felt unwell during his defeat to Borna Coric, soon before returning the positive test. 

On his return to Monaco Dimitrov, who appeared below form at the latest event in Croatia, posted a message revealing his condition.

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

More to follow.