A shattered Alex de Minaur is out of the Tokyo Olympics after the Australian tennis star tested positive to COVID-19.
The world No.17 tested positive 96 and then 72 hours before travelling to Tokyo, for what would have been his Olympic debut.
It is the Australian team’s first COVID-19 positive test ahead of the Games.
De Minaur, who lost his first-round match at Wimbledon late last month, was picked for the singles and was also planning to partner with John Peers in the doubles.
“We are very disappointed for Alex, he said he’s shattered not being able to come,” Australian team chef de mission Ian Chesterman said at a Tokyo news conference on Friday morning.
“It’s been a dream since he was a child to represent Australia at the Olympic Games, but he’s sent his very best wishes for the rest of the team.
“No other tennis players have had physical contact with Alex since he left Wimbledon on July 5, where he tested negative.
“All other Australian players have tested negative since. We look forward to welcoming those athletes into our team.”
Chesterman said de Minaur’s positive test showed the measures put in place to protect the Olympic athletes from the virus were working.
“We need to protect this bubble and Alex has been caught up in that system,” he said.
“While we will miss Alex, he understands the reasons why he cannot be with us.”
Chesterman is hopeful Peers, who was only picked for the doubles, will still be able to compete in Tokyo.
The British tennis team lost Johanna Konta and Dan Evans this week because of positive virus tests.
Swiss great Roger Federer also pulled out of the Games this week, citing a knee setback.
AAP
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