July the 21st, 2022 - Novak Djokovic visits Dubrovnik following his recent outstanding Wimbledon win. One of the best tennis players in the entire world is likely hungry for a break from the pressure, and what better place to find that than in the Pearl of the Adriatic and on its nearby Elaphite islands?

Djokovic is no stranger to Dubrovnik or to the Croatian coast, spending a lot of time here either for leisure or in the organisation of various tennis related events. The Serb, who rose to fame quickly and is currently ranked a wildly impressive number seven in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals, has won 21 Grand slams. 

Novak Djokovic visits Dubrovnik and the wider region often, and he's just one of a string of celebrities making appearances along the Croatian coast, the most recent of which being the Beckhams, who also visited the area, showcasing their time spent on the Elaphite islands (primarily Lopud), which lie just north of Dubrovnik on the mainland on Instagram.

Novak couldn't let a visit to the Pearl of the Adriatic slip by without a visit to BOWA, a very popular restaurant on the island of Sipan, which does well in attracting big names from across the board, as reported by The Dubrovnik Times. Djokovic is known for his outward friendliness, and was more than happy to engage with staff at the restaurant, taking selfies with them and relaxing in the Mediterranean atmosphere that draws countless visitors to Dubrovnik, the nearby islands and the extreme south of Dalmatia year after year.

For more on celebrities in Croatia, make sure to keep up with our dedicated news section.

ZAGREB, 6 Jan 2021 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Thursday commented on the procurement of Bradley US fighting vehicles, saying there had been dilemmas within the army's General Staff and the Defence Ministry, which was why he requested detailed reports from them.

Speaking to the press, Plenković said he had "initiated (a) detailed verification of what we can get, how much it costs, what the Croatian Army needs."

He said the procurement was a detailed process that began in 2017 and thereby Croatia was reinforcing its defence cooperation with the United States as well as its own army and contribution to NATO. Croatia is also strengthening its economy since part of the job will go to the Đuro Đaković company, he added.

Commenting on President Zoran Milanović's pressure to procure the Bradleys, the prime minister said, "Pressuring the government, which was the one to embark on this process, is a little ridiculous."

Plenković said he initiated a verification process over the past six weeks and that the General Staff and the Defence Ministry were consolidating their stand.

He said more consultations would be held. "We'll decide as we planned, but fully conscious that we have the key elements on the viability of that process."

Plenković said that as he understood it, the stand of the General Staff and the Defence Ministry was to procure the A2 ODS version of the Bradleys. This version is on the table, but together with the weaponry and everything which makes the vehicles good and useful, he added.

Commenting on today's record-high number of daily coronavirus cases in Croatia, Plenković said the fourth wave of the pandemic, dominated by the Delta variant, had merged with the wave in which Omicron is dominant. He said the number was as expected and reiterated that protection from the virus lay in vaccination and individual responsibility.

Asked if hospitality establishments would be required to close earlier, he said the national COVID-19 crisis management team had not yet considered that option.

Commenting on the opposition's collecting signatures for a vote of no confidence in Construction Minister Darko Horvat, Plenković said it would not pass. "We will reject this (initiative) too. The parliamentary majority is strong."

The prime minister also commented on the latest developments concerning Serbian tennis player Novak Đoković, who was denied entry to Australia, saying that everyone should comply with COVID regulations.

A journalist noted that Croatia changed the definition of close contact after Plenković met with Đoković after the 2020 Adria Tour in Zadar. After the tournament, Đoković tested positive for the virus.

Plenković said that story and the one regarding a religious procession on Hvar island, also from 2020, were "the stupidest and rudest theses in the media sphere when it comes to what is called, deliberately and in a politically orchestrated way, the inconsistency of the (COVID crisis management team)."

The prime minister also commented on the search for Matej Periš, a 27-year-old Croatian who went missing in Belgrade on 31 December, saying he was communicating with the relevant ministries on a daily basis and that they were communicating with the Serbian authorities.

"I have the impression we still don't have the whole picture," he said, adding that as prime minister he was interested in "getting the full story."

For more, check out our dedicated politics section.

June 26, 2020 - After two negative test results, Goran Ivanisevic has tested positive for the coronavirus. The former tennis player and Adria Tour Zadar director is in self-isolation, and is said to have milder symptoms and feels well.

Dalmatinski Portal writes that in addition to being in constant contact with Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanisevic was with the tennis players and participants of the Adria Tour in Zadar.

"Unfortunately, after two negative tests in the last 10 days, I just found out the results of today's third test and it is positive for COVID-19. I feel good and have no symptoms. I want to inform everyone who has been in contact with me that I am COVID-positive and ask them to take all necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. I will continue to self-isolate as I have been doing already. I wish everyone who got infected a speedy recovery," Ivanisevic wrote on Instagram.

The drama started just a few minutes before the final of the Adria Tour in Zadar between Djokovic and Rublev was to take place on Sunday. However, Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, who also played in Zadar, announced on Instagram that he was positive for the coronavirus. The final was canceled and participants were tested.

Apart from Dimitrov, Croatian national team player Borna Coric and Serbian tennis player Viktor Troicki also received positive results, as well as Marko Paniki, fitness coach of Novak Djokovic and Christian Groh, coach of Grigor Dimitrov.

The No. 1 tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, did not test with the others in Zadar, but in Belgrade. His result was positive. His wife Jelena is also positive, while their children's test results are negative. Novak's parents Srdjan and Dijana, as well as his uncle Srdjan, received negative results. His brother Đorđe, who was the director of the Adria Tour in Zadar, was tested in Croatia and was also negative.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 25, 2020 - Tournament director Goran Ivanisevic hits back at critics of Novak Djokovic after the coronavirus outbreak at the Adria Tour in Zadar.

The final of the Adria Tour in Zadar was canceled when it was learned that Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov tested positive for the coronavirus. Panic ensued, and the tournament could not go on. Everyone who was there was asked to be tested.

Among those infected now are Croatian tennis player Borna Coric, as well as the Adria Tour tournament organizer and number one player in the world, Novak Djokovic, and his wife.

While some consider the main culprit Dimitrov, who kept silent that he wasn't feeling well and did not want to be tested, many are pointing the finger of guilt at Djokovic, who has been the target of severe attacks in recent days. Goran Ivanisevic, who was one of the directors of the tournament, also spoke out, and in conversation with Sportske Novosti, said that he was outraged by the number of attacks on Djokovic, as reported by T.portal.

"It is easy to be a general after a battle. Now everyone is very smart. A lot of them attack Novak, it’s very popular, as if they could hardly wait for his wrong move. He tried to do something big that had a humanitarian character after we were all imprisoned for three months," said Ivanisevic.

The legendary Croatian tennis player admits that the party in Belgrade was excessive and that they were carried away by the atmosphere. The parties were considered the source of the focus in Zadar, but Goran disagrees. 

"I can accept that we didn’t need it, but all the players are there for themselves. No one forced anyone to come to that club, no one was forced to dance or take off their T-shirts," says Ivanisevic and adds: "Again, how can anyone say that the infection started from there? Marco Panichi, Novak’s fitness trainer, wasn’t even at the party. I was with him in Belgrade every day for almost two weeks, and he tested positive, while I tested negative twice. Can anyone explain that to me? Or that Miljan Amanovic, Novak's physiotherapist, treated Grigor Dimitrov's elbow in Zadar, more than once, and his test was negative?"

Ivanisevic also revealed why Zadar is the main topic, and there are fewer cases of infection there than in other places.

"Zadar is 'attractive' because the most famous ones tested positive there, so now everyone would like to score some points. That's how it goes, and it doesn't matter that there are fewer people infected than in some other cities in Croatia," says Ivanisevic.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 23, 2020 - Novak Djokovic has tested positive for the coronavirus after being tested in Belgrade. As confirmed in a statement from his team, both he and his wife are positive while the children received a negative result. They add that they have no symptoms.

Index.hr reports that after the coronavirus outbreak on the Adria Tour in Zadar on Sunday, the world's best tennis player immediately went to Serbia, where he was tested with his family.

A statement from Djokovic on his website:

“The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested. My result is positive, just as Jelena’s, while the results of our children are negative.

Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions. Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.

The Tour has been designed to help both established and up and coming tennis players from South-Eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to the COVID-19 situation.

It was all born with a philanthropic idea, to direct all raised funds towards people in need and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded to this.

We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.

Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.

I am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were.

I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s health situation and that everyone will be fine.

I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days.”

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic was in contact with Djokovic at the tournament in Zadar. He was tested yesterday and was negative.

Recall, the tennis spectacle in Zadar was interrupted after Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tested positive for the coronavirus.

Last night, 22 people were tested, including tennis players, and it was determined that three more people were positive, including Croatian tennis player Borna Coric.

Along with Coric, Marko Panichi, Novak Djokovic's fitness coach, and Christian Groh, Grigor Dimitrov's coach, are also positive. Among the tennis players who were tested was Marin Cilic, who received a negative result, but will still go into self-isolation for 14 days.

Borna Coric and the two infected coaches remain in Zadar under strictly controlled conditions prescribed by epidemiologists and will follow all instructions, the Croatian Tennis Federation reported. Other participants and players will travel home and will be in constant contact with the epidemiological services of their home countries. 

Residents of Zadar County who suspect infection were called by the Zadar headquarters to contact the epidemiologist on duty at 098 332 765 and their doctor.

More soon...

To read more news in Croatia, follow TCN's. dedicated page.

June 23, 2020 - The Croatian Sports Secretary, Tomislav Druzak, comments on whether the events at the Adria Tour in Zadar will affect the course of Croatian sporting events.

Gol.hr reports that after the dramatic events in Zadar at the Adria Tour, many are wondering how it is possible that the corona outbreak even occurred. Recall, Croatia long hesitated about how and when to allow the start of sports training and the continuation of seasons.

Gol.hr asked the Croatian Secretary of Sport, Tomislav Druzak, whether the events in Zadar will affect the course of Croatian sporting events.

You were in Zadar, and you saw everything. Who was in charge of supervising the entire tournament and following the epidemiological recommendations?

"The Zadar tournament was supposed to be a wonderful sports and promotional story for Croatian sports and the country. To a large extent, it was. The organization was carried by the Croatian Tennis Federation, i.e., the people who hosted the Adria Tour, which was led by Goran Ivanisevic as the director and the entire team of Novak Djokovic who ran the tournament. The organization was at a high level from the sports aspect of the story. The other part, where the after-parties took place, I wasn’t familiar with that. I think it could have been done without it, that the whole story would have been much more beautiful if it weren't for the parties."

Was the organizer obliged to test the players before the start of the tournament?

"From the epidemiological point of view, that was not obligatory. However, I would have carried it out, had I been the organizer. I was even convinced that some testing had been conducted, especially when we know where a large number of tennis players and support staff are coming. If that had been done, we would probably have had a slightly better situation today. "

Given recent events, are you considering restricting or introducing new measures when it comes to training and sporting events?

"I think that the Croatian Institute of Public Health and the Central Office for Sports, together with the Croatian Olympic Committee and other factors, i.e., national federations, have really made an effort and that we have made precise and quality measures to ensure the continuation of all sporting events. I think it would be a step backward to go towards closing sporting events. The virus has shown that it is there, that it lives with us, that we have to get used to it and that we finally start applying these recommended measures," said Druzak.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 21, 2020 - The final of the Adria Tour tennis tournament was canceled in Zadar on Sunday after it was confirmed that tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tested positive for the coronavirus. A statement from the Zadar headquarters. 

The Bulgarian tennis player played only one match in the tournament, but hung out with several people over the last few days. 

Index.hr reports that Dimitrov was in contact with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, including many children as part of Kids Day. The final of the tournament was supposed to be played between Djokovic and Rublev tonight at 8 pm, though it has been canceled.

The Zadar Headquarters released an extraordinary statement tonight:

"Residents of Zadar County who suspect infection, or who have been in close contact with the tennis player, should contact the epidemiologist on duty at 098 / 332-765 and their doctor. The Zadar County Public Health Institute will introduce an additional telephone line and additional emergency services from tomorrow. We would like to remind you once again that epidemiological measures are in force, which include maintaining social distance, which is the most important in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and that we must be responsible," said the Zadar County Headquarters.

Dimitrov spent ten days in Zadar, playing in two tennis tournaments. But as part of other activities, he played football and basketball. First, with his fellow tennis players, Djokovic, Cilic, Coric, and Zverev, and later with the spectators, which was part of the Adria Tour event program.

The Adria Tour was also visited by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, who pointed out on Saturday that the humanitarian tournament was "a great promotion of Zadar and Croatia in the world". Plenkovic said goodbye to some tennis players in Zadar, including Cilic and Djokovic, who were in direct contact with the infected Dimitrov over the last few days.

More soon.

For more sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 21, 2020 - The final of the Adria Tour in Zadar, in which Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev were supposed to play at 8 pm tonight, has been canceled! Unfortunately, Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, who played one match in the Zadar tournament, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Index.hr reports that in the last ten days, Dimitrov played in two tournaments with spectators and played football and basketball with Djokovic, Cilic, and Coric. He also spent night outs with other tennis players on the Adria Tour.

At the start of the tournament in Zadar, Croatian tennis player Borna Coric easily defeated Dimitrov, who did not shake hands with the opponent and the referee at the end of the match because he was already feeling ill.

"Hi Everyone-I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. 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. GD," the tennis player wrote on his Instagram page. 

Dimitrov is the 19th ranked tennis player in the world, though he was once the third-best in the world. The 29-year-old Bulgarian was nicknamed 'Baby Federer' at an early stage of his career as he had a similar style of play, but he never lived up to those expectations even though he has had a successful career so far. At the tournament in Zadar, he was replaced by Croatian tennis player Nino Serdarusic, a 23-year-old who is the 299th best player in the world.

It is not yet known how the Bulgarian tennis player's illness will affect the tennis season, which should continue with tournaments in America in two months. The organizers of the tournament in Zadar will soon address the public.

"We received information that Grigor was tested in Monaco and that he was positive for the coronavirus. We tried to respect all the measures prescribed by the Serbian and Croatian governments, we gave everything we needed, unfortunately, Grigor is positive. At the moment, we are organizing all health services so that as many people as possible who were in contact with Grigor ar tested. I got in touch with all the volunteers and participants of the tournament and so far no one has any symptoms," said Djorđe Djoković from the organization of the tournament at an extraordinary press conference and added:

"Dimitrov was in Bulgaria before this, we still don't know if he got it there or here. Everyone who was in close contact will be tested. We are waiting for the authorities to give us instructions and we will continue to act accordingly," concluded Novak Djoković's brother.

"This was the only right decision, we had to cancel the final for the health of the players, their families, but also everyone else present. Of course, we will do the tests, I did it three days ago and I was negative myself. I don't know if I will have to be tested again, I will go if necessary," said the tournament director Goran Ivanisevic and added:

"All of this is one big shock, but we made the right decision. Health comes first. As for Grigor, he showed no symptoms. He didn't even have a temperature. Still, he felt bad on Saturday and decided to get tested in Monte Carlo. We don't know where he was infected. In any case, we wish him a speedy recovery."

All tennis players who participated in the tournament, as well as the people who participated in the organization will be tested for COVID-19.

Adria Tour director Đorđe Đoković did not confirm whether the tournament in Banja Luka and the exhibition in Sarajevo would be canceled, but said that he would act in accordance with the recommendations of the competent authorities.

More soon...

For more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 19, 2020 - Russian tennis player Andrej Rubljov, the fourteenth best player in the world, landed in Zadar on Friday morning, where he will join the tennis stars on the Adria Tour, which will be played until Sunday at the Višnjik Sports Center in Zadar.

HRT reports:

"The Adria Tour, which is being held in Zadar currently, is a big event for Croatia that we are extremely proud of. We are grateful to Goran Ivanisevic, who is the coach of Novak Djokovic and the director of the tournament in Zadar, as well as to Goran Djokovic, who is our great friend. The cooperation between him and us as the Croatian Tennis Federation, vice presidents Neven Nakic and Franc Regina together with other federations through the ITF, created good relations and offered us the Adria Tour in Zadar," said the president of the Croatian Tennis Federation Nikolina Babic who welcomed the Russian tennis star at the Zadar Airport.

"We gladly accepted this great challenge, and everything is ready for today's start of the tournament. The players have arrived and are in the final preparations. Everyone really likes Zadar; some are in Croatia for the first time and are delighted with the coast, accommodation, courts and the city," she added.

The spectacle begins today at 5 pm with a grand opening and an exhibition match that will be played by Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic against Borna Coric and Ana Konjuh, followed by Goran Ivanisevic and other stars.

At 6:30 pm, the group draw is scheduled, and at 7:15 pm, for the music part of the program, Gibonni will perform in the area of the northern parking lot of the Višnjik Sports Center. Famous pianist Lola Astanova will perform as a special surprise guest before Gibonni.

Yesterday, the world tennis elite competed at the Kresimir Cosic Hall in Visnjik with members of KK Zadar.

Novak Djokovic, Borna Coric, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov faced Zadar basketball players Dominic Gilbert, Juri Planinic, Karel Uljarevic, Jan Palokaj and Duja Brala.

The tennis players showed solid basketball skills, and Djokovic, Cilic and Zverev stood out, who, according to those present, could replace tennis courts with basketball courts without any major problems and a little training.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 17, 2020 - The No. 1 tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, arrived in Zadar on Tuesday ahead of the Adria Tour humanitarian tournament. 

"I have been all over Croatia, but I have never been to Zadar, and I am looking forward to meeting Zadar and the people here and all the participants of the Adria Tour. I am very excited and happy to have the opportunity to visit Zadar as part of the Adria Tour, and then a few more locations in the region," Djokovic said upon his arrival, revealing that he did not know that Zadar was Luka Modric's hometown.

It didn't take long for Djokovic to dip into the local mindset, as he was filmed at training at a Zadar beach. 

"Mother Nature's Gym," he shared on Facebook with a short video. The post even prompted a reaction from American football legend Tom Brady - "The best!"

Slobodna Dalmacija reports that the final preparations are underway for the Adria Tour. The main court, which boasts room for nine thousand spectators, will be filled to half capacity to meet COVID-19 measures.

Tournament participants include world no. 1 Novak Djokovic, German star Alexander Zverev, and Gregori Dimitrov from Bulgaria, as well as Croatian Davis Cup national team members Marin Cilic and Borna Coric.

It has been known for a long time that Dominic Thiem, Austria's best tennis player, will not come to Visnjik, so there are three vacancies left. One spot should be filled by Felix Auger Aliasiemm, and the seventh participant will be obtained after the final of the HEP tournament. 

Yesterday, Novak trained with Borna Coric at the tennis courts of TK Zadar 08 in the bay Drosanjica, which was followed by a line of eager fans waiting for an autograph. It was also on these courts that Borna took his first tennis steps, as his grandmother lives nearby.

After training, the great Nole signed the club's bulletin board and thus left his historical mark on a humble Zadar tennis court.

Although he did not appear on the central ground of the Visnjik Sports Center, Zverev did his training at the Falkensteiner & Spa Hotel Iadera in Petrcane. Just after noon on Tuesday, Zverev stayed with the Djokovic family on the luxury yacht Asha, and sailed together to the Kornati National Park on Wednesday morning.

Goran Ivanisevic, tournament director for Adria Tour Croatia, aired his thoughts on the Adria Tour in Serbia, emphasizing that it was a tennis mega-spectacle and that he is convinced that things will be even better in Zadar.

"It is a real shame to miss the matches that await us in Zadar," said Ivanisevic, obviously satisfied with the fact that apart from Djokovic, a tennis player who conquered the world not only with his game but also with his sportsmanship and humanitarian efforts, the audience will admire the moves of other tennis stars. 

Only one question remains: "Are there any tickets left?"

The world is buzzing about the Adria Tour, as is evidenced by the fact that the scenes from Zadar will be broadcast to 110 countries on all continents.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.