Alexander Zverev did not consult with doctors despite having possible symptoms of COVID-19, according to the organisers of the French Open.
The world No.7 said he felt ‘completely sick’ following his fourth round loss to Jannik Sinner on Sunday. Speaking to reporters via a virtual press conference, the German confirmed that he had a temperature of 38 degrees and was seen coughing during the match. At one stage he called for a doctor and trainer as he pointed to the region of his throat. He was also issued with some pills.
Zverev declined to answer when he last had a COVID-19 test which was due to his criticism of the journalist who asked the question. The US Open finalist has accused the reporter of providing negative coverage of him earlier this year. Amid the unclear circumstances, the French Tennis Federation has confirmed that the last test took place on Tuesday.
“Zverev is up to date on his tests, which have all been negative. His last test was on September 29, with results received on September 30,” a statement reads.
“Today he received a reminder for his next test, to be carried out within five days of the previous results. He did not consult the tournament doctors before his match.”
There is currently no evidence to prove that Zverev has the virus but he faces criticism over his decision to play amid the ongoing pandemic. On the same day two players were removed from the junior competition after testing positive.
Speaking to German media, Zverev said he believes that his current illness is more likely to be a ‘bad cold.’ Saying a member of his team also experienced a similar illness and tested negative for COVID-19. Although he did add ‘I hope it is not COVID-19.’
Meanwhile Sinner, who will play Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals, said he didn’t take too much notice that his opponent was suffering during their match. Saying he thought the German appeared physically fit.
“It seemed that he was quite okay because in the third and fourth set he was running quite a lot. He was not that close to the line letting me play a lot,” Sinner commented.
“I think he’s an honest guy, he’s a nice guy, and if he says he has a fever, I’m sorry for him.”
The Italian continued by saying that he is not too concerned about coming into contact with a player who is sick. Insisting that there are adequate protocols implemented at the tournament.
“We have gotten tested many times and obviously we were not that nearby,” he said. “We always had the distance. I don’t think that I will have a fever over the next days, or I hope not. Maybe I will. I mean, you never know.”
Since September 17th an estimated 3000 tests have been carried out by officials at the French Open.
