COVID-19 positive Shapovalov to undergo minimum 10-day isolation in Sydney

The 22-year-old Canadian is experiencing minor symptoms and hopes to get back to the courts when it is safe

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in action during his semi final match against Russia’s Andrey Rublev at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi Image Credit: AI / Reuters / Panoramic

Haresh Ramchandani

December 26, 2021

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov has tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Sydney, Australia for the ATP Cup, scheduled to kick off on January 1st.

Shapovalov, a former world No 10 and currently ranked No 14, posted a message on his social media handles that he had tested positive and would isolate as per the health guidelines in Sydney.

The 22-year-old is the latest player associated with the high-profile Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi to test positive for COVID-19. Rafael Nadal, his coach Carlos Moya, Belinda Bencic and Ons Jabeur had also tested positive after competing in Abu Dhabi, while US Open champion Emma Raducanu had tested positive prior to the event and had to withdraw.

On his social media handles, Shapovalov stated, “Hi everyone, just wanted to update you that upon my arrival in Sydney, I tested positive for Covid. I am following all protocols, including isolation and letting the people who I’ve been in contact with know. Right now I am experiencing minor symptoms and look forward to getting back on the court, when it is safe to do so. Thank you in advance for your support and wish you all a safe and happy holiday.”

Shapovalov will need to undergo a minimum 10-day isolation period and the positive result puts his participation in the ATP Cup under doubt. Canada begins their ATP Cup campaign on Sunday January 2nd against the United States. It remains to be seen if the 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist is able to compete in the latter stages of the tournament.