Five-time runners-up at the Australian Open, Andy Murray, tested positive for COVID-19 just days before his scheduled charter flight to Melbourne
The three-time Grand Slam champion is isolating at home near London, according to a statement from the tournament
« Unfortunately, this means that he will not be able to take part in the official AO charter flights in Australia in the coming days in order to go through the quarantine period with the other players, » says the statement, « The AO fans love Andy, and we know how much he loves competing here in Melbourne and how hard he worked for the opportunity ”
The timing is inconvenient for Murray’s situation as a group of 1200+ tennis players and officials are currently bringing chartered planes to Australia before embarking on a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine
American Madison Keys said Thursday, US time, that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would be missing out on the Australian Open
World Nr16 said she got a positive result before going to Australia and is now self-isolating in her house « I am very disappointed that I will not be able to play in the coming weeks after going in the off-season I’ve trained hard and Tennis Australia and the tours have done so much to make these events happen, « the 25-year-old tweeted
Murray had received a wildcard from the organizers of the Australian Open for participation in this year’s event, which was delayed by three weeks and was due to open on August 8 February began in Melbourne Park
Murray is a former world No. 1 and three-time major champion who has slipped in the rankings in recent years following hip surgery
After receiving the wild card, Murray pulled out of last week’s season opening event in Florida and raised concerns about contracting COVID-19 before he had more tournament time ahead of the Australian Open
« After much deliberation with my team, I have decided not to travel to Delray Beach, » Murray said earlier this month. « Given the rise in COVID rates and the associated transatlantic flights, I want to minimize the risks ahead of the Australian Open. » / p>
« I’m very grateful for your understanding of the tournament and look forward to playing there soon »
The world’s top players and biggest names, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and American Serena Williams, travel to Adelaide, where they will be quarantined in an « exclusive » bubble for 14 days before heading to Melbourne travel
Some other players have already retired from the Open due to quarantine requirements, and Roger Federer will be the most notable absentee after declaring he has not fully recovered from knee surgery
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Australian Open, Tennis, Andy Murray, Coronavirus
EbeneInfo – AU – Andy Murray tests positive for COVID-19, in case of doubt on Australian Open
Source: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/andy-murray-tests-positive-for-covid-19-reports-20210114-p56u8o.html