Tennys Sandgren has a rather unique relationship with the Australian Open. Last year, he lost a heartbreaker against Roger Federer after he couldn’t convert 7 match points. This year, Tennys hit the news even before landing in Melbourne as he managed to get on the plane after he was found positive for Coronavirus.
What happened?
The American champion tested positive before embarking on the plane, but he received the Australian government’s green light. In fact, Tennys was already infected by the Coronavirus back in November 8 weeks ago, and therefore, he has completely recovered as per his tweet.
“A lot couch virologists out there. My two tests were less than 8 weeks a part. I was sick in November, totally healthy now. There’s not a single documented case where I would be contagious at this point. Totally recovered!“
According to the Australian Open official account, people who used to be infected by the Coronavirus can shed the virus for months without being infectious. Therefore, the local governments gave the go-ahead for Sandgren to to to Australia.
Later, the Australian Open released the following communication:
“Players are only allowed to enter Australia for the Australian Open with proof of a negative COVID-19 test done just prior to departure, or with approval to travel as a recovered case at the complete discretion of an Australian government authority.
Anyone wanting to travel to the AO who has previously tested positive to COVID-19 is required to provide additional and highly detailed medical information as proof they are a recovered case and no longer infectious or a risk to the community.
In the case of Tennys Sandgren, who has self-disclosed that he previously tested positive in late November, his medical file had to be reviewed by Victorian health authorities. Upon completion of that review, he was cleared to fly.
Any recovered case must go through this process in order to have an opportunity to travel here for the Australian Open. No one can travel without either proof of a negative test or this special clearance from authorities confirming they are not infectious.
Upon arrival, all players are immediately placed in a secure quarantine environment for 14 days under the authority of COVID Quarantine Victoria, and will undergo a more rigorous testing schedule than most returning travellers.
Tennys Sandgren at the Australian Open
Tennys Sandgren in 2021
Currently ranked no.50, Tennys played his last match on the 3rd of November 2020 when he was defeated by Pierre-Hugues Herbert 2-6 6-4 7-6(4) in the 1st round in Paris (draw).
Tennys Sandgren |
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