Russian Andrey Rublev has tested positive for COVID, hampering his preparations for next month’s Australian Open.
The world number five had been scheduled to play in the ATP Cup – where Russia begins their campaign against Austria in Sydney on Sunday – but is all but certain to miss the start of the team event as he completes his isolation in Barcelona, where he currently resides.
Rublev recently played in an Abu Dhabi exhibition event before the 2022 season officially commences next week, becoming the sixth player to test positive at the event.
Canadian Denis Shapovalov recently also tested positive, while 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal is isolating ahead of making the trip to Australia due to a positive test.
With the Australian summer of tennis less than a week away from commencing across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, players and support staff from overseas are due to arrive in the country in the coming days.
The Australian Open will begin on January 17.
❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/YsRd0NBALQ
— Andrey Rublev (@AndreyRublev97) December 26, 2021