Rublev’s latest tennis star COVID-positive

World No. 5 Andrey Rublev has become the Fifth Player to pass the COVID-19 test after playing at the show in Abu Dhabi just a few weeks after the Australian Open.

The Russian is in isolation in Barcelona and looks confident that Russia will not defend the ATP Cup championship as the nine-day tournament kicks off in Sydney on Saturday.

Rafa Nadal from Spain, Denis Shapovalov from Canada, Belinda Bencic from Switzerland and Ons Jabeur from Tunisia were all positive after attending the event in Abu Dhabi.

US Open champion Emma Raducanu took a positive test in Abu Dhabi before the event and withdrew, while Nadal coach Carlos Moya also got the virus.

The 24-year-old Rublev, who defeated Andy Murray in the Aby Dhab final on December 18, confirmed on Twitter that he was isolated with minimal symptoms.

“I’m currently in Barcelona and unfortunately I got a positive COVID-19 test,” Rublev said. “I am isolated and follow all protocols under medical supervision.

“As you know, I’m fully vaccinated and preparing for the tournaments – the ATP Cup and the Australian Open. Now I have to recover and only go to Melbourne when it’s safe for everyone.”

The Australian Open will be held in Melbourne Park from 17 January. Rublev was part of the Russian team that won the men’s ATP Cup this year and was part of the team in upcoming Sydney.