Alexander Zverev’s revelation that he played his fourth round match at the French Open with symptoms which could be signs of COVID-19 has drawn a muted response from his rivals.
The world No.7 raised eyebrows on Sunday after confirming that he suffered from a fever, which was recorded at 38 degrees, leading up to his clash with Italy’s Jannik Sinner. During the match Zverev was seen coughing on the court and underwent a medical time out where he took some medication. He also suffered from breathing problems.
“I’m completely sick. I can’t really breathe, as you (the media) can hear in my voice. I had a fever as well.” Zverev said following his loss to Sinner.
“I’m not in the best physical state, I would say. I think that had a little bit of an effect on the match.”
Shortly after Zverev’s comments, the French Tennis Federation confirmed that the tennis star opted not to seek medical advice regarding his illness and he was due a COVID-19 test. The German had tested negative continuously for the virus but as of yesterday the last test he took was on Tuesday September 30th. Raising a question about if it was right of him to play a match when having symptoms of the virus regardless of if he may have COVID-19 or not.
Officials at the French Open fear the worst case scenario is an outbreak at the tournament amid a rise in cases in France. On Monday it was confirmed that bars and restaurants will be shut in Paris but at present it will have no impact on the public attendance to the Grand Slam. The city’s coronavirus alert has risen to maximum following a period of high infection rates.
“It is not great news for sure,” world No.1 Novak Djokovic commented on the current situation. “Obviously it doesn’t affect us too much because we are in a safe environment. We are just operating at two locations between the hotel and tennis courts but It is not great news.’
“It is hard to see these things unfold again after six months. I’m just hoping people will be able to stay mentally sane because we (the players) have a chance to work and earn money, do what we love. But the majority of people don’t have that opportunity.”
A group of players has already been removed from the event after they or a close contact tested positive for the virus. Although some, including Damir Dzumhur and Fernando Verdasco, argue this disqualification has been due to false results. The most recent being two junior players on Sunday.
Questioned about Zverev following his win over Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas declined to comment on the situation.
“I really don’t know. I’m sorry. I don’t think that’s my business. It’s his business. Sorry,” he replied when asked during his press conference.
Djokovic shed more thought about Zverev but like Tsitsipas also declined to criticise him in any way. The 17-time Grand Slam champion argues that there are many other illnesses that could be related to Zverev’s symptoms.
“Lets wait for his result and lets see because nowadays because of what is happening in the world people connect any kind of symptoms that have anything to do with fever to COVID right away. We have to remember that COVID is not the only illness out there,” he said.
“It is also possible that he could pick up something else. I don’t know how he feels or what is going on.”
Andrey Rublev said officials didn’t check his temperature when leaving the player hotel en route to Roland Garros. Unlike the US Open in New York, players don’t have to have these checks when leaving their accommodation. French officials believe such a process isn’t always effective as some people may have a naturally high temperature.
“I don’t know how it is in the case of Sascha. I don’t know all the details,” said Rublev. “I can tell you from my side, when I left for Paris, they sent me straight to do a test. I did another yesterday.’
“I have done three or four tests in total.’
“When I left the hotel, they didn’t check my temperature. I don’t know how is the case of other players, but in my case they didn’t check.”
As to whether there should have been temperature checks in place to begin with, Djokovic says he has an open mind about such a move.
“I don’t mind. If that allows the medical team here to have a better idea if somebody is having symptoms related to this virus, then ok.” He concluded.
UPDATE: Since the publication of this article Zverev has told Eurosport Germany that his latest COVID-19 test has come back negative. He also said he was in contact with a tournament doctor via his physio. Contradicting a statement previously released by the French Tennis Federation.
