Despite the tennis calendar being brought to a half due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some players are in self-isolation with the most high-profile to date being Bernard Tomic.
The 27-year-old is currently housebound in Miami after displaying symptoms of the virus, which he believed he caught whilst travelling. His last tournament was a Challenger event in the Mexican city of Monterey, which took place just over a week ago. Tomic then flew to America to play at the Miami Open, which has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus.
Speaking to The Herald Sun on Monday, Tomic said he is ‘showing all the symptoms’ of the Coronavirus. Although he is yet to be tested. According to CNN, there have been 152,000 documented cases of Covid-19 with an estimated 6500 deaths worldwide. The virus is more critical for elderly people or those with a pre-existing health problem.
“Since Tuesday, I started feeling not right,” Tomic said.
“I already had shortness of breath and my immune system was low and run down.
“I’m currently in Miami and isolated away from everyone, as advised.
“I’m yet to be tested for it (COVID-19) but I have all the symptoms.”
Tomic has urged his home country of Australia to take the matter seriously. The government has recently announced that anybody arriving in Australia must undergo a 14-day self-isolation period in a bid to slow down the spread.
“I reckon I got it travelling from Mexico to Monterrey last week,” the former world No.17 speculates.
“People need to take this super seriously, especially at home in Australia.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be in isolation or when I can be tested.”
Besides Tomic, another player who is also in self-isolation is Yaroslava Shvedova. A two-time grand slam doubles champion who made her return to tennis in February after spending almost three years away from the sport. Shvedova has been placed in mandatory isolation after one of the passengers on her flight to Kazakhstan tested positive for Covid 19. Although she has since tested negative for the Virus.
“My test for coronavirus is Negative.” She wrote on Instagram.
“But I have to stay in quarantine for 2 weeks because I was flying very close to Infected person. I’m staying positive and active as I can in my room”
Due to Coronavirus, tennis has ground to a halt. All ITF and ATP tournaments have been cancelled until April 20th. Meanwhile, the WTA is yet to provide a clear statement regarding their stance. Saying they need more time to make a accurate decision.
