Tennis player Sam Querrey punished for violation of COVID-19 protocols

American tennis player Sam Querrey made headlines in October when he and his wife were accused of fleeing Russia after they, along with their baby son, allegedly tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the St. Petersburg Open. 

On Wednesday, the ATP announced its ruling on the matter. 

Per an official statement, the ATP handed Querrey a $20,000 fine for actions "contrary to the integrity of the game under the Player Major Offense provision in the ATP Code of Conduct." 

However, that punishment remains suspended and could be lifted as long as Querrey does not again violate health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus pandemic throughout a six-month probationary period.

After Querrey disappeared along with his family in October, tournament organizers explained that the player and his wife had been told to isolate in a hotel room until doctors could evaluate them and offer Querrey a second test. 

"Sam Querrey was scheduled to retest on Thursday, October 15, however, instead of acting in accordance with ATP rules and the tournament's sanitary protocol, Sam Querrey was recorded leaving the hotel by hotel security cameras at 5.45 a.m. on October 13, with his family, without notifying the reception," a statement read. "As Querrey told an ATP representative, he left Russia with his family on a private plane."

Tumaini Carayol of The Guardian reported on Oct. 14 that the ATP could've banned Querrey for up to three years. 

Querrey has up to five days to appeal the ATP's ruling if he wishes.