Alex de Minaur dream of representing Australia at the Tokyo Olympics received a body blow after testing positive for COVID to see him withdraw from the event
Australian young Tennis sensation Alex de Minaur has given the Tokyo Olympics another setback in the form of himself. A COVID-19 positive test means that Alex de Minaur will miss the upcoming Olympics event, set to kickstart from the 23rd of July. The world number 15 was due to depart for the global event until a positive COVID-19 test dashed his chances.
As part of the mandatory testing for athletes leaving for Tokyo, 96-hour and 72-hour COVID-19 testing has to be done pre-departure. It was at this stage that Alex De Minaur tested positive for the disease. De Minaur last competed at the 2021 Wimbledon, suffering a first-round exit after losing to Sebastian Korda.
We’re very disappointed for Alex de Minaur: Ian Chesterman After Alex Tests Positive For COVID
Ian Chesterman, Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team, confirmed the development on Friday. Chesterman revealed that the mandatory COVID-19 testing found the 22-year old; hence, he would not participate in the Tokyo Olympics.
Ian Chesterman further revealed that they are disappointed not to have WTA ranked 17, Alex on the tour, while the youngster is equally shattered. He was to compete in both singles and doubles division at the Olympics.
“We’re very disappointed for Alex, he’s said that he’s shattered not being able to come. It’s been a dream since he was a child to represent Australia at the Olympic Games,”ย Chesterman stated.
However, Alex de Minaur who is Australia’s top ranked tennis player, tested positive after exiting Wimbledon, did not come in contact with any other Australian travelling to Japan. Furthermore, David Hughes, the AOC’s chief medical officer, refused to go in detail regarding De Minaur’s medical information.
Tennis Players Who Have Withdrawn From The Tokyo Olympics So Far
The players withdrawing from the upcoming Tokyo Olympics from the world of Tennis have continued to only grow by the day. Alex de Minaur is the tenth player to withdraw from the global event. The latest players to pull out were Roger Federer and Johanna Konta.
Before that, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Serena Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Bianca Andreescu, Simona Halep, and Denis Shapovalov decided to skip the tournament. Nevertheless, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic confirmed his participation via Twitter. Djokovic has already enjoyed a stellar year with Wimbledon, Australian Open and French Open wins. He will look to add further accolades under his belt.
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