Andrey Rublev tests positive for COVID-19

World No 5 Andrey Rublev is the latest player to have returned a positive Coronavirus test days before he was supposed to fly off to Australia.

Andrey Rublev played at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi recently and the Russian becomes the latest player to test positive for the virus after attending the event. It's not known whether Rublev caught the virus there or after the event but the Russian is now the 5th player to have taken part in the event that has returned a positive test.

Before him, it was Bencic, Jabeur, Nadal, and Shapovalov. This has put the Russian’s preparation for the Australian Open which takes place in a matter of weeks on hold while he isolates. But this also means that he could potentially lose out on his place in the ATP Cup as the start date for that competition is fast approaching – the first match starts on January 1.

He announced the news in a statemenet writing:

“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.”