Andrey Rublev tests positive for Covid after beating Andy Murray in Abu Dhabi final

Rublev is the fifth player to test positive after playing at the event

Sudipto Ganguly
Monday 27 December 2021 18:20 GMT
Comments
Andrey Rublev defeated Andy Murray in Abu Dhabi
Andrey Rublev defeated Andy Murray in Abu Dhabi (AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

World number five Andrey Rublev is the fifth player to test positive for COVID-19 after playing at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi this month.

Spaniard Rafa Nadal, Canadian Denis Shapovalov, Switzerland’s Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and Tunisian Ons Jabeur all tested positive after taking part in the event.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu tested positive in Abu Dhabi before the event and withdrew, while Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya also contracted the novel coronavirus.

The 24-year-old Rublev, who beat Andy Murray in the World Tennis Championship final on 18 December, confirmed on Twitter he was isolating with minimal symptoms.

“I am currently in Barcelona and unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19,” the Russian said. “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 [with the] ATP Cup and Australian Open. Now I have to recover and I will go to Melbourne only when it will be safe for everyone.”

The Australian Open will be held at Melbourne Park from 17 January. Rublev was part of the Russian team that won the men’s ATP Cup this year and had been included in the team for the upcoming edition in Sydney, which kicks off on Saturday.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in