Paula Badosa tests positive for COVID-19 during Australian Open quarantine
Spain's Paula Badosa has become the first tennis player to test positive for COVID-19 during the mandated quarantine in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open that begins Feb. 8.
The 23-year-old confirmed the news via Twitter:
Badosa was one of a handful of players who complained about the country's strict quarantine protocols via social media.
As noted by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Badosa was one of 72 players placed under a stricter lockdown than others after they were exposed to an infected individual on a charter flight to Melbourne. Players and their entourages must quarantine for 14 days and are confined to their rooms.
Badosa competed in Abu Dhabi earlier this month and, according to Sky Sports, was halfway through her quarantine period when she returned a positive coronavirus test. She is currently reporting symptoms, but she did not say in her statement if she intends to attempt to compete in the Australian Open.
On Wednesday, officials explained that 10 people who traveled to Australia for the tournament have tested positive for the virus. Umpire Carlos Bernardes was admitted to a hospital for an illness that reportedly was not related to COVID-19 but is said to be "recovering well."
Badosa is currently No. 67 in the WTA rankings. She's never advanced past the round of 64 at an Australian Open.
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