“We will not be tested”
Zverev believes ‘some have it now’
01/20/2022, 12:11 p.m
There are two corona cases at the Australian Open – and Alexander Zverev is convinced that many more will follow. Germany’s best tennis professional is surprised at the lack of tests and reports that colleagues may be ill.
Germany’s best tennis player Alexander Zverev is concerned after the first positive corona case in the main draw of the Australian Open: The Olympic champion fears that Frenchman Ugo Humbert is not the only player who carries the virus. “I think some players had it when they arrived and some I think have it now. We’re not being tested,” said the 24-year-old after progressing to the third round of the tournament.
According to Australian broadcaster ABC News, players must take daily antigen tests at their own risk. Proctored tests are only taken on arrival in Australia and between days five to seven thereafter. There are no official PCR tests as part of the tournament – although players can move freely between matches and do not have to live in a bubble.
The Australian professional Bernard Tomic had already scolded during his qualifying game against the Russian Roman Safiullin at the beginning of the second set: “In the next few days I will test positive, I’ll tell you,” the number 257 in the world raged in the direction of the referee. It was 1: 6 and 1: 2, the former top 20 player had no chance and presented himself tired and listless in his first match since September. “If I don’t test positive in the next three days, I’ll take you out to dinner.” Less than 48 hours later, Tomic tested positive.
“I can’t believe nobody gets tested,” Tomic raged on court. “They allow players to come onto the pitch having just done quick tests in their rooms, not official PCR tests. It’s incredible.” Apparently nothing has changed in the test regime of the organizer.
Zverev is therefore trying to protect himself as best he can: “I see that there are many cases in Melbourne and in Australia, so I don’t do much outside, I haven’t been to a single restaurant,” said the German. He only moves between the hotel room and the tennis courts and doesn’t want to take any risks: “I want to give myself the best chance of doing well here.”