Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev says he ‘isn’t bothered’ about having to do daily testing for COVID-19 after being included in a tracing system linked to Benoit Paire.
The 2019 US Open finalist had been identified as somebody who may have come in contact with the Frenchman at some point, who tested positive for the virus on the eve of the Grand Slam. According to a document published by crackedracquets.com, Medvedev is one of three players who have been classed as those who had ‘less contact.’ The others are Damir Dzumhur and Nicolas Mahut. All three are not required to abide by the ‘bubble in bubble’ policy.
Shedding light on the situation following his straight sets win over Jeffrey John Wolf on Saturday in New York, the third seed believes he has been linked to Paire after ‘maybe being in the same room as him.’ Although he denies that the two of them ever had any direct contact.
“I actually had no contact with Benoit. I don’t know how they (the USTA) check it. I think it’s by credential, and maybe I was in the same room with him. But I didn’t have contact with him,” he stated.
“After talking to the USTA and a doctor from the New York department, I think they said, Okay, just do a test every day and you live normal. If we can call this normal.”
“That’s basically what I do. I have done maybe five tests, five negative tests, and I will continue to do them every day. It doesn’t bother me at all.”
Medvedev’s comments come on the same day as those deemed as ‘close contacts’ of Paire were banned by health officials from going to the Billie Jean Tennis Tennis Center and told they must isolate in their room until the quarantine period ends. As a consequence Kristina Mladenovic was withdrawn from the women’s double draw where she was the top seed alongside Timea Babos. The requirement has been issued by Nassau County and applies to those who are staying within that area.
“Usually we say three negative tests if you do them, then you are okay. I don’t know what is true and what is not true,” Medvedev commented on the situation.
“I think they should have the chance to play if this is safe for everybody. So basically if they didn’t, maybe New York health department thinks it’s not safe for everybody, but if you ask my opinion, I think they should play. But my opinion doesn’t mean anything here.”
On the court Medvedev will play either Frances Tiafoe or Marton Fucsovics next. He is yet to drop a set in the tournament.