Sam Querrey tests positive for Covid-19, flees Russia on a private jet, now hiding in a European country
In a story that is certainly stranger than fiction, especially for the tennis community, Sam Querrey is reportedly currently hiding in a European country after fleeing Russia on the back of a positive Covid-19 test.
The bizarre story started playing out on Monday when officials confirmed that an unnamed player had been withdrawn from the St Petersburg Open after returning a positive Covid-19 test.
Although no names were released, American Querrey was the only player withdrawn from the tournament due to illness.
New York Times journalist Ben Rothenberg revealed on Twitter that Querrey’s wife and their eight-month-old son were travelling with him and they also tested positive and they were initially told to self-isolate for 14 days at a local hotel.
49th-ranked Sam Querrey entered the ATP 500 St. Petersburg, and was slated to face second-seeded Denis Shapovalov in the first round of the main draw.
Before that match, however, Sam tested positive for coronavirus.
So, too, did Sam’s wife, Abby, and eight-month-old son, Ford.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) October 14, 2020
But things escalated quickly after the Querreys were told they “would be visited by a doctor, and if they were found to have symptoms they could be forced to be hospitalized”.
Rotherburg continued: “So Sam, who has worn patches from a private jet sponsor during some of the bigger matches in his career (including his Wimbledon semifinal run in 2017), arranged and paid for a private jet to whisk the family across the Russian border, away from the health authority’s reach”.
So Sam, who has worn patches from a private jet sponsor during some of the bigger matches in his career (including his Wimbledon semifinal run in 2017), arranged and paid for a private jet to whisk the family across the Russian border, away from the health authority’s reach.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) October 14, 2020
The family is now in “‘a nearby European country’ which didn’t require a negative test for entry” and are currently staying in an AirBnB.
That’s not the end of that as the ATP released a statement saying they are aware of a “serious breach of protocol” from a player at the St Petersburg and they are investigating the matter.
“The ATP is aware of an incident regarding a player’s serious breach of protocol relating to COVID-19 at this week’s St. Petersburg Open,” a statement said.
“Adhering to health and safety protocols is critical to ensure that events take place safely and within guidelines established by local authorities.
“Players and their support team members are reminded that breaches of protocol can jeopardise an event’s ability to operate and have repercussions for the rest of the Tour. In accordance with the ATP’s Code of Conduct, we are taking this matter extremely seriously and an investigation is underway.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP TourFull ATP statement on PTPA as tennis body vows ‘to do everything in its powers to protect its interests’
ATP warns that PTPA is causing division.
-
NewsT365 Recall: Andre Agassi announces plans to retire on the eve of Wimbledon after ‘a lot of sacrifices’
The American won a Career Grand Slam and eight major titles.
-
NewsJohanna Konta needs to manage knee problem for the rest of her career, but vows not to ‘fret about it’
Konta recently pulled out of two Wimbledon warm-up events.
-
Tennis NewsBoost for Tokyo Olympics tennis event as Novak Djokovic ‘has confirmed his desire’ to compete
Novak Djokovic all but confirmed for Tokyo Games.
-
Wimbledon‘Nick Kyrgios underdone, but he is going to be very hard to beat at Wimbledon’
Nick Kyrgios to cause an upset at Wimbledon?
-
Wimbledon‘I heard it crack’ – Dominic Thiem’s Wimbledon participation in doubt after picking up wrist injury
Dominic Thiem nursing a wrist injury.
-
Tennis NewsPundits raise concern about Roger Federer’s body language and ‘alarming’ attitude
“Usually you don’t see that on Roger Federer.”
-
French OpenAndy Murray explains why he sympathises with Naomi Osaka over mental health and media struggles
“I can certainly understand how athletes do struggle with it,” says Andy Murray.
-
WimbledonWimbledon 2021: When does it take place, what’s new, who’s missing, TV channels, betting, prize money
All your Wimbledon 2021 info.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal ‘exhausted’ and close to ‘mental fatigue’ after draining clay-court season, says his coach
“He is going to take a well-deserved rest,” says Carlos Moya.