Anger as beaten Paire bubble players told to stay in hotel
Some of the players who were already under the tightest of restrictions at the US Open due to their proximity to Benoit Paire – who tested positive for Covid-19 on the eve of the event – have reportedly told they must now stay in their hotel rooms until September 11.
Kirsten Flipkens during the 2019 US Open
Kirsten Flipkens, Richard Gasquet, Gregoire Barrere, Adrian Mannarino, Kristina Mladenovic, Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Ysaline Bonaventure were already under pretty severe restrictions as they played their matches.
But now Flipkens, who lost in the second round of the singles event at the US Open on Thursday, said on Friday that she has now been told she has been told she must stay in her hotel room until September 11, 14 days after their last interaction with Paire”
That means no practice and no trips to the gym.
Update from the “Bubble in the Bubble” crew. Flipkens says players must now stay in their rooms until next weekend. They can no longer follow the amended protocols that have been in place for them the last few days. pic.twitter.com/X9ZS4vEfhn
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) September 4, 2020
Players concerned unable to play at Rome?
While Mannarino, who is still in the singles event and Mladenovic, who is the top seed in doubles with Timea Babos, will surely be allowed to continue going to and from the site, the rest will seemingly be confined to their rooms.
Meanwhile, the stranded Flipkens Insta’ing from her hotel room, with the scenic view of the Nassau Country Coliseum. pic.twitter.com/1Mh6SCUxlZ
— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) September 4, 2020
Belgian player Kirsten Flipkens, part of the group who had to sign the new protocol agreement in order to play after close contact with Benoit Paire, has been eliminated in singles & doubles. But writes that for now can’t leave NYC until two-week quarantine finishes on Sept. 11 pic.twitter.com/9oNui8pM0W
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) September 3, 2020
If the news is confirmed, it could have big implications for the players who were intending to play in the upcoming event in Rome, because those in qualifying would be unable to get to the Italian capital in time for qualifying.
Tennis Majors has contacted the US Open to request confirmation, but has yet to receive a reply.
