Andrey Rublev the latest player to test positive for COVID-19
As the Australian Open steadily approaches, players have been arriving in Australia to prepare for the season’s first Grand Slam. As per government requirements, all inbound travelers must take a COVID-19 test before arrival in the Country.
The World’s No. 5 overall player, Andrey Rublev, is the latest to post a positive test result, putting his preparation for the Slam on hold while he remains isolated. The list of players reporting as positive is multiplying and features some of the top names in both the ATP and WTA Tours. Belinda Bencic, Ons Jabeur, Rafael Nadal, and Denis Shapovalov.
The five players who reported positive tests participated at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. While it is not confirmed that any of the players caught the virus at the event, it’s a safe assumption that the Omicron variant made its way around the locker rooms in Abu Dhabi.
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I am currently in Barcelona and unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19 – I have minimal symptoms. I am in isolation and following all the protocols under the supervision of doctors. As you know, I am fully vaccinated and was preparing for tournaments – ATP Cup and Australian Open. Now I have to recover, and I will go to Melbourne only when it will be safe for everyone, I am very upset and concerned about what is happening, please take care of yourself and of the people around you – I will return to the court as soon as possible.” Rublev said in a statement released on Twitter.
If Rublev can post negative test results, he will still compete at the ATP Cup. Group stages are slated to start on December 31st.