Spanish player Paula Badosa says she feels ‘abandoned’ in quarantine and left in limbo by officials after testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open.
The world No.67 was the first player to test positive for the virus whilst in quarantine in Melbourne. Under rules set out by the Australian government, those arriving in the country are required to go through a 14-day process before they can play any professional tournaments. Badosa had previously said she felt unwell with symptoms of the virus.
Speaking with newspaper Marca, the Spaniard has lashed out at those in charge of running the quarantine process by saying she is still awaiting gym equipment to be provided to her. Tennis Australia had previously said they would provide equipment to those going through a stricter form of the quarantine, which includes 72 players.
“I feel abandoned because I don’t have training equipment which I requested five days ago. I haven’t been told which type of the virus I have, I’ve had no information from the tournament,” she told Marca on Monday.
Badosa says the uncertainty over which strain of COVID-19 she has left her unsure about when she will be able to leave her room again. Under the terms and conditions it had been reported that she could be kept in quarantine until February 5th if she has the British strain which is more infectious. If she doesn’t and tests negative, Badosa could be out by January 31st. The Australian Open starts on February 8th.
The 23-year-old revealed that she is now suffering from panic attacks and claustrophobia in what she describes as the ‘worst experience’ of her career. She is staying in the same room as her coach Javier Marti.
“It’s far and away the worst experience of my career,” Badosa said.
“The conditions here are lamentable, I wasn’t expecting that.
“The number one thing people recommend when you have the virus is to open the windows to let in air, but I don’t have windows in my hotel room and it’s barely 15 metres square.
“I have lost a lot of my fitness levels, especially my strength. If I can come out on January 31 I’ll have a week to get in shape. If it’s February 5 it’ll be impossible to recover in time (for the tournament).”
Branding the running of the Melbourne bubble as ‘quite disorganized’ Badosa confirmed that she has been in contact with Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley who has provided her with support concerning certain issues.
Despite the anger and frustration, there is no chance that the Badosa will skip the first Grand Slam of the season unless she is forced to. Besides the singles, she also intends to team up with Danka Kovinic in the doubles.
“I’ve been fighting my whole life to play ‘Grand Slam’ tournaments and the last thing I would do is not play it. I’m going to try it because you never know,” she concluded.
Badosa, who is yet to win a WTA title, tested positive for COVID-19 on the seventh day of her quarantine. Tennis Australia has so far made no comment concerning her latest remarks.
