Sydney: Denis Shapovalov, a member of Canada’s 2022 ATP Cup squad, tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after arriving in Sydney on Saturday.
The 22-year-old is one of the first international players to arrive in Australia and is a member of Canada’s squad for the team-based competition in Sydney, which runs from January 1 to 9, ahead of the Australian Open, which begins on January 17.
Shapovalov won the third-place playoff match in the World Tennis Championship exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week, defeating Rafael Nadal.
After competing in the competition, Nadal, Tokyo Olympic gold winner Belinda Bencic, and Tunisian Ons Jabeur all tested positive for coronavirus.
Shapovalov, the former world No. 10, indicated on social media that he is isolated and only has minimal symptoms.
“Hi everyone, just wanted to update you that upon my arrival in Sydney, I tested positive for COVID,” Shapovalov said. “I am following all protocols including isolation and letting the people who I’ve been in contact with know.
“Right now I am experiencing minor symptoms and look forward to getting back on the court when it is safe to do so.”
All players have to return negative tests 72 hours before flying to Australia, as well as undergo testing once arriving in the country and isolated whilst awaiting results.
