Australian Open news: Andrey Rublev clarifies comments on positive Covid test

Australian Open

Kevin Palmer
January 21, 2022

Andrey Rublev has moved to clarify his comments confirming he arrived in Australia while still testing positive for Covid-19.

On the back of Novak Djokovic’s deportation after his visa was revoked by the Australian government due to his unvaccinated status, Rublev’s comments that he arrived in Australia carrying the coronavirus has caused a stir.

“I am not being tested personally now because I just got over the coronavirus,” Rublev told the Sport Klub.

“When I flew to Australia, I was still positive, but the level of Covid SS, as it is called, I will not lie, it was very low and not dangerous.

“I was allowed to enter the country. In addition, I spent more than ten days in quarantine.”

Those comments have created a debate about whether Rublev should have been allowed to compete at the Australian Open, with Djokovic fans on social media channels especially vocal about the decision following the exit of the world number one.

Now Rublev has issued a statement looking to add some context to his comments.

“I passed my first positive test a few days before the official statement on social networks, which I made because I respect the audience and fans. I think they should know why I wasn’t at the ATP Cup,” he stated.

“I immediately isolated myself. The rules in Spain are very simple – quarantine is 10 days. All this time I didn’t leave the house. I started training a few days before my flight to Australia.

“The team and I flew to Melbourne, observing all protocols. Quarantine was over, vaccinations were delivered. We immediately passed the antigen test. The result was negative. So I could move freely.

“By the way, before Australia, by the end of quarantine, all my antigen tests were also negative. And before the flight t Melbourne, the tests were also negative.

“The Ct level was at around 35. This is not dangerous for others and means that I am not a carrier of the disease. Despite this, I was quarantined for 10 days. All this time I was in touch with doctors, representatives of the tournament. I didn’t break any rules.

“I would never put other people’s lives in danger. I am a person who is responsible for my actions. I am sorry that the published information sometimes loses its meaning, and my previous story turned out to be very crumpled. I hope now I have managed to convey my thoughts correctly.”

Rublev has made good progress at the Australian Open and will take on Marin Cilic in the third round on Saturday.

Andrey Rublev Novak Djokovic