Rafael Nadal and co face anxious wait in Monte-Carlo after Daniil Medvedev’s positive Covid-19 case

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Daniil Medvedev in action

Rafael Nadal and other leading players at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters face a nervous wait after world No 2 Daniil Medvedev tested positive for coronavirus.

The announcement came ahead of the third day of play at one of the ATP’s biggest events, with Medvedev replaced in the draw by Argentinian lucky loser Juan Ignacio Londero.

Medvedev said in a statement: “It’s a big disappointment not to play in Monte-Carlo.

“My focus is now on recovery and I look forward to getting back out on Tour as soon and as safely as possible.”

The ATP said the 25-year-old had been moved into isolation and was being monitored by the tournament doctor and the tour’s medical team.

Medvedev lives in the principality and his positive test will call into question the wisdom of the tournament allowing players to stay at home rather than in a strict bubble.

The Russian practised with Nadal on Monday and was also pictured talking to Novak Djokovic.

There is no suggestion that Medvedev broke any protocols but it will undoubtedly be a worrying time as players who had any contact with him wait to see whether there are any more positive cases.

Britain’s Dan Evans, who beat 2019 runner-up Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-7 (11-13), 6-2 for his first Tour-level victory on clay for four years, said: “It’s definitely in mind I’m very eager to get vaccinated, if I can. It would be heart-breaking if I tested positive for Wimbledon.

“It’s very important to stick to the protocols in place. If some people are being blase, then it ruins it for everybody else because if one person tests positive, this virus, it can go round very quickly.

“So seeing scenes in England yesterday, I won’t be socialising any time soon.”

Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas became the first player to reach the third round, beating fellow Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4.

Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina joined him, securing a first top-10 win by beating eighth seed Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-3.

Miami Open runner-up Jannik Sinner will play world No 1 Novak Djokovic for the first time after a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Nineteen-year-old Sinner was one of five Italian winners on Tuesday. Defending champion Fabio Fognini defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2, 7-5 while Salvatore Caruso, Lorenzo Sonego and Marco Cecchinato also reached round two.

Felix Auger-Aliassime’s partnership with Toni Nadal – uncle and former coach of Rafael – got off to a losing start as the young Canadian was beaten 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 by Cristian Garin having led 4-2 overnight.

“I’m very lucky to be able to learn from him and benefit from his experience and work with him,” said the 20-year-old. “Of course, there’s a lot of work to do, but it’s a good association and I’m very happy.”

Miami champion Hubert Hurkacz continued his winning run with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win against another Italian, Thomas Fabbiano, ninth seed Roberto Bautista Agut and 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov were straight-sets winners and 17-year-old Dane Holger Rune was beaten 6-2, 6-1 by Casper Ruud.

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Dan Evans Daniil Medvedev Rafael Nadal

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