Germany’s Alexander Zverev has declined to answer a question about when he last had a COVID-19 test despite admitting he is suffering from symptoms of the illness following his French Open defeat.
The world No.7 crashed out 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, to Italian rising star Jannik Sinner who has become the youngest player to reach the quarter-finals at Roland Garros since Novak Djokovic back in 2006. Zverev produced almost half the amount of winners compared to his rival (20-39) and leaked 47 unforced errors. The German also struggled behind his second serve which he could only win 41% of his points behind.
Although there are questions about whether the 23-year-old should have played his fourth round encounter in the first place after admitting to being unwell. Zverev confirmed he had a temperature of 38 degrees at night leading up to the match.
“I am completely sick after the match with Cecchinato in the night,” he said during his press conference.
“I’m completely sick. I can’t really breathe, as you (the media) can hear by my voice. I had a fever as well.’
“I’m not in the best physical state, I would say. I think that had a little bit of an effect on the match today.”
Zverev’s explanation of his illness mirrors symptoms that are associated with the COVID-19. Although there is no evidence that this is what he is suffering from and all players have been routinely tested throughout their stay in Paris. Although when asked by a journalist when was the last time he was tested, Zverev refused to give an answer.
“I’m not answering your questions. There is no chance I’m answering your questions from what you have been writing about me over the past months. Absolutely no chance,” he said to the journalist.
Speaking in German, Zverev elaborated slightly more on his current illness by saying he believes it is nothing more than a common cold. Saying a member of his team went through the same and tested negative for COVID-19.
“I hope that it is not COVID,” journalist Jannik Schneider quoted him as saying in German.
Earlier in the day, the French Tennis Federation confirmed that two players have been removed from the girls tournament after testing positive for the virus. Since September 17th an estimated 3000 tests have been carried out by officials.
