Sam Querrey is at the center of a huge controversy. The American champion tested positive for Coronavirus when he was in St. Petersburg, where he had to play the local ATP500. Unfortunately, his wife Abby and eight-month-old son Ford tested positive and had to be quarantined at the Four Seasons hotel in St. Petersburg.
However, according to well-known reporter Ben Rothenberg, Sam received a telephone call from someone in the Russian health authorities that said that Sam and his family had to be visited by a local doctor and if found symptomatic, they would have faced a forced hospitalization.
The American player was scared about being potentially separated by his wife and son. Therefore, he decided to fly from Russia to a nearby country that doesn’t require a negative test from foreigners with a private jet. Apparently, he is staying in an Airbnb in an undisclosed location.
The potential ban and fine
The ATP and the local authorities remained baffled about what has happened. As stressed by journalist Tumaini Carayol, Sam can face a fine of $100k and he can even be banned from the tour for 3 years. The ATP sent an internal memo saying that there is an investigation going on.
A serious breach of the Covid-19 protocol could be punished as follows:
“Violation of this section shall subject the player to a fine of up to $100,000 and/or suspension from play in ATP Tour or ATP Challenger Tour tournaments for a period of up to three (3) years. Violation of this Section by a Related Person may result in a maximum penalty of permanent revocation of accreditation and denial of access to all ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour Tournaments.”
Let’s hope everything will be solved and that Sam and his family will have a prompt recovery from the virus.
Sam Querrey in 2020
Ranked world no.49, Sam played his last match on the 29th of September when he surrendered to Andrey Rublev 6-75 6-74 7-5 6-4 6-3 in the 1st round of the French Open.
