PARIS: Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev became the latest player to have played in an Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament earlier this month to test positive for Covid-19 just weeks away from the Australian Open.

The world number five, who beat Andy Murray in the World Tennis Championship final on Dec 18, tweeted he was self-isolating which places in doubt his competing in the ATP Cup (Jan 1-9) in Australia.

Rublev was part of the Russian team that won the ATP Cup this year and had been included in the team for the upcoming edition in Sydney, which kicks off on Saturday.

The Australian Open — where Rublev reached the quarter-finals this year — runs from January 17 to 30 in Melbourne.

“I am currently in Barcelona and unfortunately I have tested positive for Covid-19,” said Rublev on Twitter. “I have minimal symptoms. I am isolating and respecting all the protocols under the supervision of the doctors.

“As you know I am completely vaccinated and I was preparing for the ATP Cup and Australian Open. Now I have to recover and I will go to Melbourne only when I am certain it is 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 is the third male player to have played in Abu Dhabi to test positive for Covid.

Canada’s Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov tested positive on arrival in Australia and former world number one Rafael Nadal did as well on returning to Spain.

Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya also tested positive.

Three female players who were in Abu Dhabi tested positive — Switzerland’s Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and Tunisian Ons Jabeur all tested positive after taking part in the event while US Open champion Emma Raducanu tested positive before the event and withdrew.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2021