Seven players in bubble in bubble

NEW YORK » As the U. S. Open got underway a Monday, seven players were put in what one described as a “bubble in the bubble” because they were in contact with Benoit Paire, the Frenchman dropped from the tournament after testing positive for the coronavirus, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

The seven players were not identified to the AP by the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the U. S. Tennis Association has not announced the names of anyone involved.

But two players from France acknowledged their involvement: Kristina Mladenovic, who is seeded 30th in women’s singles, and Edouard Roger- Vasselin, who is entered in men’s doubles.

“We cannot confirm any numbers or names of players due to health laws,” tournament director Stacey Allaster said. “In the case of Edouard Roger- Vasselin, as he has publicly stated he is one of a select number of players in the enhanced protocol plan, I can confirm that he is one of those players.”

Mladenovic acknowledged after her first- round victory on Day 1 at the Grand Slam tournament that her movements were restricted because she spent time with Paire. She said she practiced with Paire for about an hour and spent 30- 40 minutes playing cards with him and others in the lobby of a hotel being used by the USTA for what it has called a “controlled environment.”

“I am basically in a new ‘ bubble in the bubble,’ so there’s not very much I’m allowed to do, which makes it tough for me to compete and mentally be kind of fresh and ready,” said Mladenovic, who doubled over and let out a loud yell after beating Hailey Baptiste of the United States 7- 5, 6- 2.

Asked to describe what she can and cannot do, Mladenovic chuckled.

“Let’s make it simple: I’m allowed to play my match,” she said. “Literally, not allowed to do anything else.”

Allaster said the players potentially exposed to the virus because of contact with Paire now must be tested daily for COVID- 19, instead of every four days.

Mladenovic said she was told she can spend time with her brother but “no one else,” and has been banned from working out at the gym and “any other facilities that have been put in place for the players.”

“It’s pretty tough for me to accept that ... because it’s not like I’m part of ( Paire’s) entourage,” Mladenovic said.

Gauff suffers early U. S. Open exit in stunned silence. Coco Gauff won over New York and became an instant fan favorite during her run of inspired tennis a year ago at the U. S. Open. A year later, no fans, no energy, and no singles victory for Gauff.

Anastasija Sevastova knocked off the 16- year- old Gauff in three sets, 6- 3, 5- 7, 6- 4. The 31st- seeded Sevastova sent Gauff to her earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament in four appearances. She had never lost in the first two rounds.

“Just the beginning,” Gauff said Monday. “I just got on tour a little over a year ago, so I still have a lot to learn and a long ways to go.”