Belgrade: Ace Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic believes he is being subjected to a "witch-hunt" following the disastrous end to his Adria Tour in Belgrade last month.
The World No.1 - who remains uncertain about playing at this year's US Open - tested positive for Covid-19 during the event, along with fellow players Viktor Troicki, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric, leading to it being called off.
Critics claimed the Serb was irresponsible to stage the event amid the pandemic, but Djokovic has slammed the criticism.
"I can only see criticism lately and much of it is malicious," he told a Serbian daily.
"It's obviously more than just criticism, it's like an agenda and a witch-hunt. Someone has to take the fall, a big name.
"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.
"My intention was pure, I was wholeheartedly committed to organising a humanitarian event to help players and tennis federations in the (Balkan) region," he said.
The 33-year-old returned to training on Tuesday, but says he isn't sure if he will play in the final major on the calendar, or if the US Open will even go ahead.
"I still haven't decided whether I will play in the US Open, the upsurge in registered Covid-19 cases in the United States and New York in particular are not playing into the event's hands," he said.
