Novak Djokovic and wife Jelena put on an affectionate display as they sat in the stands after the ceremonial opening of his Adria Tour charity event in Belgrade, Serbia, on Friday.
The world champion tennis player, 33, donned a red zip-up Lacoste jacket as he relaxed and held hands with his wife of six years, 33.
The couple could not keep the smile of their faces after the doubles match which kicked off the event in conjunction with his charity, The Novak Foundation.
Sweet: Novak Djokovic and wife Jelena put on an affectionate display as they sat in the stands after the ceremonial opening of his Adria Tour charity event in Belgrade, Serbia, on Friday
Jelena wore ripped denim jeans teamed with a black biker leather jacket and white T-shirt.
She swept her brunette tresses into a simple low bun and looked radiant as she gazed affectionately at her husband.
During the match, the tennis pro defended their decision to host an event packed with crowds of people amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He said to the crowd: ‘We have different circumstances and measures so it’s very difficult to think of international standards.’
In love: The world champion tennis player, 33, donned a red zip-up Lacoste jacket as he relaxed and held hands with his wife of six years, 33
He said Serbia has ‘better numbers’ compared to other countries regarding coronavirus infections.
Serbia has registered more than 12,000 COVID-19 cases and 252 deaths, although the numbers have been rising again since the government lifted most of the lockdowns and restrictions last month.
Novak continued: ‘You can also criticise us and say this is maybe dangerous but it’s not up to me to make the calls about what is right or wrong for health.
Hitting back: During the match, the tennis pro defended their decision to host an event packed with crowds of people amid the coronavirus pandemic
‘We are doing what the Serbian government is telling us and hopefully we soon will get back on tour collectively.’
It comes after Novak called the strict hygiene protocols likely to be in place at the US Open as ‘extreme’ and believed it would make the tournament ‘impossible’ for players.
The American Grand Slam is set to be the first major tennis event since sport was shutdown following the coronavirus outbreak with stars due to take to the court in August.
Packed crowd: He said to the crowd: ‘We have different circumstances and measures so it’s very difficult to think of international standards’
But as well as being played behind-closed-doors, several safety measures are being considered if the competition at New York’s Flushing Meadows is given the go ahead.
According to The Times, bosses are preparing to use official partner Emirates to charter special services from each continent to ensure players arrive safely.
Players will have to produce a negative coronavirus test before they are allowed to board one of the flights. Chiefs are also considering allowing each player to have only one coach with them and could limit access to facilities on practice days.
Novak continued: ‘You can also criticise us and say this is maybe dangerous but it’s not up to me to make the calls about what is right or wrong for health’
But Djokovic, who triumphed at the US Open in 2011, 2015 and 2018, believes these regulations would put severe strain on players.
‘Just yesterday I had a telephone conversation with the leaders of world tennis, there were talks about the continuation of the season, mostly about the US Open due in late August, but it is not known whether it will be held,’ the World No 1 told Prva TV television and quoted by Blic online daily.
‘The rules that they told us that we would have to respect to be there, to play at all, they are extreme.’
‘Better numbers’: He said Serbia has ‘better numbers’ compared to other countries regarding coronavirus infections
‘We would not have access to Manhattan, we would have to sleep in hotels at the airport, to be tested twice or three times per week.
‘Also, we could bring one person to the club which is really impossible.
‘I mean, you need your coach, then a fitness trainer, then a physiotherapist.
‘All their suggestions are really rigorous but I can understand that due to financial reasons, due to already existing contracts, organisers (want the event to be) held. We will see what will happen.’
Unimpressed: It comes after Novak called the strict hygiene protocols likely to be in place at the US Open as ‘extreme’ and believe it would make the tournament ‘impossible’ for players