Medvedev tested positive for COVID-19, out of Monte Carlo
World number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from this week’s Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP said on Tuesday.
Medvedev, who was seeded second behind top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 event on clay, has been put in isolation 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.
“My focus is now on recovery and I look forward to getting back out on Tour as soon and as safely as possible.”
The ATP on Monday posted a video of Medvedev’s practice session in Monte Carlo with 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 stay at his home as per tournament protocols while other players are staying in bio-secure bubble accommodation. Players living at home are required to test daily for the virus while those in the restricted environment are tested every four days.
Nadal, who is chasing a record-extending 12th title in Monte Carlo, and his team were tested on Monday as per protocols and all results were negative, the Spaniard’s publicist Benito Perez-Barbadillo told Reuters on Tuesday.
“Nadal is absolutely fine,” Perez-Barbadillo said on phone from Monte Carlo. “As we understand the virus does not anyways show before three-four days.”
“The next scheduled testing is in three days.”
Nadal, the winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, has not played since his Australian Open quarter-final defeat in February by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas due to a back issue.
The 34-year-old has a first round bye this week and will open his campaign at the picturesque Monte-Carlo Country Club on the French Riviera against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis, who defeated Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-5 6-1 on Tuesday.
Medvedev, who had a first round bye, was scheduled to play the winner of the match between Serbian Filip Krajinovic and Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia but tested positive on Monday.