Djokovic puts up million euros to aid COVID-19 fight in Serbia

BELGRADE Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic pledged one million euros (US$1.12 million) on Friday to help buy ventilators and other medical equipment in his native Serbia, joining a list of athletes in the fight against coronavirus.

The virus, which emerged in China late last year, has brought sporting events around the world to a halt and killed more than 24,000.

Rafa Nadal called on Spanish athletes to help raise $12 million to help fight the pandemic, while Roger Federer contributed $1.04 million to vulnerable families in his native Switzerland.

“I wish to express my gratitude to all the medical staff across the world and in my native Serbia for helping everyone infected by the coronavirus,” Djokovic told Serbian media over a video conference from Marbella, Spain. “Unfortunately, more and more people are getting infected every day. My wife, Jelena, and I are putting together a plan how to best donate our resources to people in need.

“Our donation is one million euros for the purchase of ventilators and other medical equipment.”

Serbia has reported 457 confirmed cases of coronavirus and seven deaths.

Djokovic was in imperious form before the pandemic brought the tennis season to a halt.

The 32-year-old Serb has won 18 straight matches this season, lifting the ATP Cup with Serbia before a record-extending eighth Australian Open title in Melbourne and then a fifth title at the Dubai Tennis Championships.