The men’s French Open doubles draw has been dealt a blow after it was confirmed that the top seeds have been forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to information obtained by Spanish and Croatian media sources, Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic has had to enter into quarantine as a result of the positive test. Details of the case have not been made public and it is unknown if either of them are currently experiencing any symptoms. Pavic is a two-time French Open finalist in the doubles and Mektic is a two-time semi-finalist.
In a statement issued by the French Tennis Federation on Wednesday, officials say a total of 2446 tests have been conducted on players with this being the first time there has been a positive result. Players were tested upon arrival in Paris and then every four days during their stay.
“The Roland-Garros tournament organizers confirm that two players from the men’s doubles draw, on the same team, have tested positive for Covid-19,” a statement reads.
“In line with the tournament’s public health and safety protocol, the pair has been removed from the draw, which commenced yesterday, and the two players placed in quarantine. They will be replaced by the first team on the alternate list.”
“The health of all tournament players and that of their teams is continuously monitored through very regular testing, and they live and train in socially-distanced “bubbles”.
The statement from the FFT didn’t name the players involved but it has been confirmed that it is Pavic and Metkikc who are affected. Croatian newspaper Sportske novosti says they have been told directly by Pavic about the current situation.
27-year-old Pavic and 32-year-old Mektic have dominated the doubles Tour so far this season and currently occupy the two two places in the ATP rankings. Together they have already won six ATP trophies in 2021 which include Masters titles in Miami, Monte Carlo and Rome.
Filling in the vacant spot in the men’s draw will be Spain’s Pablo Andújar and Pedro Martínez.
