French Open 2021 – Men’s Double Players Test Positive: What comes as a big setback for French Open organizers, two men’s doubles players were removed from the French Open draw after testing positive for COVID-19, the French tennis federation (FFT), who organize the clay-court Grand Slam, said on Wednesday.
The FFT added that both players were in the same team but did not name them.
Reports suggest Nikola Metkic and Mate Pavic are the ones who have tested positive and removed from the draw.
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“The Roland Garros tournament organisers confirm that two players from the men’s doubles draw, on the same team, have tested positive for COVID-19,” a statement read.
“The Roland Garros tournament organisers confirm that two players from the men’s doubles draw, on the same team, have tested positive for COVID-19. They will be replaced by the first team on the alternate list,” it added.
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Organisers have said that as many as 2,446 tests have been performed on players on their teams since the qualifiers began on May 24.
“Since the start of the tournament, 2,446 tests have been carried out to date on the populations of players and their entourage,” the French tennis federation (FFT) said in a statement.
“This is the first time this year that the tournament management has had to remove players.”
Meanwhile, doubles pair Jaume Munar and Feliciano Lopez seem to have also withdrawn and replaced by an alternate team. The replacements are yet to be confirmed.
The year’s second grand slam was played under restrictions amid COVID-19. The French government had imposed COVID-19 curfew from 9 pm which meant 9/10 evening sessions were being played without spectators at Court Phillipe Chartier.
As per AFP, fans were moved out in the middle of matches on Monday evening. Tennis Legend Serena Williams was also played behind closed doors.
Notably, big 3- French Open defending champion Rafael Nadal, Swiss legend Roger Federer and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will be in action on Thursday.
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(with AFP inputs)