Just 24 hours after speaking with reporters at The All England Club Johanna Konta has been removed from the draw under regulations linked to COVID-19.
In a statement issued by the Referee’s Office on Sunday evening, the Brit has been classed as a ‘close contact’ of somebody who has tested positive for the virus. Making her the second player to be removed from the tournament under this rule. On Saturday Denmark’s Frederik Nielsen was also withdrawn after his coach tested positive. Konta will spend 10 days in self-isolation under government rules.
The person who Konta has been deemed a close contact to is a member of her own team. The unnamed individual started to experience symptoms of the virus on Sunday morning and subsequently took a PCR test which revealed a positive result. Konta has tested negative on all of her tests taken so far whilst residing in the bubble.
“A member of Johanna Konta’s team presented with COVID-19 symptoms this morning, and immediately isolated and undertook a PCR test in accordance with The Championships ‘ testing protocols,” a statement reads.
“A positive result was returned which resulted in the AELTC , together with Public Health England, identifying Johanna Konta to be a close contact. In line with government legislation, she is required to self-isolate for 10 days and therefore is withdrawn from The Championships.’
“Both Johanna and her team member had tested negative on all their previous tests undertaken within The Championships’ protocols. Both individuals were advised of the positive test and close contact classification and are now self-isolating for the next 10 days.”
The world No.31 had been scheduled to play Katerina Siniakova in the first round. She will be replaced by Chinese lucky loser Yafan Wang.
