(Reuters) – World number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia has tested positive for COVID-19 and been withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters this week, the ATP said yesterday.
Medvedev, who was seeded second behind Novak Djokovic at the top in the ATP Masters 1000 event on clay, has been singled out and is being monitored, the men’s tennis governing body said in a statement.
“It’s a big disappointment not to play in Monte-Carlo,” said the 25-year-old Medvedev.
“I’m focusing now on recovery and I look forward to getting back out on Tour as quickly and safely as possible.”
The ATP on Monday posted a video of Medvedev’s practice session in Monte Carlo with the Spaniard Rafa Nadal. The governing body did not respond to a request for comment on Nadal’s participation in the tournament.
As a Monaco resident, Medvedev was allowed to remain in his home in accordance with tournament protocols while other players remained in biosafety bubble accommodation.
Players living at home are required to test for the virus daily while those in the restricted environment are tested every four days.
Nadal, who is chasing a record-breaking 12th title at Monte Carlo, was tested on Monday in accordance with the protocols and all the results were negative, Spaniard’s publisher Benito Perez-Barbadillo told Reuters on Tuesday.
“Nadal is absolutely right,” said Perez-Barbadillo by telephone from Monte Carlo. “As we understand it, the virus does not show up before three or four days.
“The next scheduled tests are in three days.”
Nadal, the winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, has not played since his defeat in the February eight Australian Open final by Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece due to a back issue.
The 34-year-old has a first-round bye this week and will open his campaign at the beautiful Monte-Carlo Country Club on the French Riviera against Federico Delbonis of Argentina, who defeated Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-5 6-1 on Tuesday.
Medvedev, a first-round underdog, was supposed to play the winner of the fight between Serbian Filip Krajinovic and Nikoloz Basilashvili from Georgia but he tested positive on Monday.
The lucky Russian loser, Juan Ignacio Londero, replaced the Russian in the draw, while he was also withdrawn from doubles.