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April 14, 2021

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Medvedev tests positive for COVID-19

Source: Agencies | 00:00 UTC+8 April 14, 2021 | Print Edition

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been withdrawn from this week’s Monte Carlo Masters, the ATP said yesterday.

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 Rafael Nadal. The governing body did not respond to a request for comment on Nadal’s participation in the tournament.

As a Monaco resident, like Djokovic, 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 novel coronavirus 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 said yesterday.

“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 quarterfinal 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 Monte-Carlo Country Club on the French Riviera against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis, who defeated Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-5 6-1 yesterday.

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. The Russian was replaced in the draw by Argentinian lucky loser Juan Ignacio Londero while he was also withdrawn from doubles.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who was already out of this week’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Liverpool because of a calf injury, has tested positive for COVID-19, the club announced yesterday.

“Our player Sergio Ramos tested positive in the last COVID-19 test he performed,” Real said in a statement.

Ramos is the second case of coronavirus detected in the Real squad in a week. French defender Raphael Varane tested positive last Tuesday.

Varane has not yet been given the green light to rejoin his teammates.

Ramos injured his left calf while with Spain during the international window but he has been a vocal presence on the sidelines since.

The positive test means he has to stay away from his teammates until he tests negative.

The 35-year-old defender is going through one of the most difficult seasons of his career — he underwent knee surgery in February and, after returning in mid-March, missed the Liga game against Celta Vigo on March 20 because of a shin injury.

Ramos has still not revealed his plans once his contract with Real expires on June 30.

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