Andrey Rublev claims he was allowed into Australia despite testing positive for Covid

As several players at the Australian Open have questioned a perceived lack of testing at the Grand Slam event, Andrey Rublev as revealed he was let into the country despite testing positive for Covid-19.

The Russian announced his positive test on December 26, after competing in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last month. However, the fifth seed told sports channel Sportklub that he was allowed to travel to Australia due to no longer being infectious. He was reportedly permitted to travel and enter Australia under an exemption.

The Australian Department of Health's regulations allow people to travel "if you have had COVID-19 and recovered but continue to test positive," and are also known as "persistent shedding."

"I am not being tested personally now because I just got over the coronavirus," Rublev told Sportklub. "When I flew to Australia, I was still positive, but the level of Covid SS, as it is called, I will not lie, it was very low and not dangerous.

"I was allowed to enter the country. In addition, I spent more than ten days in quarantine."

Concerns have been raised over the level of testing at the tournament, with French tennis player Ugo Humbert having recorded a positive test after his first-round loss to compatriot Richard Gasquet. Humbert’s positive was reportedly discovered as the Frenchman was part of the process to leave Australia, with the 23-year-old now having been quarantined.

Players at the tournament are only required to test should they display COVID-19 symptoms. Organizers have said daily rapid antigen tests have been provided to players, while testing clinics are open both onsite and at their hotel.