'Terrible news': Wimbledon rocked by major Covid-19 bombshell
Johanna Konta has been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon after a member of her team tested positive for Covid-19.
The Sydney-born British player must undertake a 10-day quarantine period after being identified as a close contact even though she has not tested positive.
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"A member of Johanna Konta's team presented with Covid-19 symptoms this morning, and immediately isolated and undertook a PCR test in accordance with The Championships' testing protocols," a statement from Wimbledon officials said on Sunday.
"A positive result was returned which resulted in the AELTC, together with Public Health England, identifying Johanna Konta to be a close contact.
"In line with government legislation, she is required to self-isolate for 10 days and therefore is withdrawn from The Championships."
Britain's No.1 female player, who made the semi-final at Wimbledon in 2017, was due to play Katerina Siniakova in the first round on Tuesday.
Wimbledon was cancelled last year because of the pandemic and this year's tournament is being held under strict Covid-19 protocols with all players in a bio-secure bubble.
Unlike in normal years, they are all staying in a central London hotel and their entourage is limited to three people.
Attendances are capped at 50% for the start of the tournament as part of a government-approved 'pilot event' for the safe return of crowds to sporting venues.
Brutal blow for in-form Johanna Konta
Konta's withdrawal will send shockwaves around the rest of the field and is a huge blow to the 30-year-old, who was in fine form after winning the Nottingham title in the build-up to Wimbledon.
She was in the bubble with her fiancee, her coach Dan Smethurst and her strength and conditioning coach Gill Myburgh.
"Both Johanna and her team member had tested negative on all their previous tests undertaken within The Championships' protocols," the statement said.
"Both individuals were advised of the positive test and close contact classification and are now self-isolating for the next 10 days."
Lucky loser Wang Yafan from China will replace Konta in the draw.
Our heartfelt sympathies are with Johanna and we hope to see her back on court as soon as possible.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 27, 2021
Gutted, @JohannaKonta we had such high hopes we would be watching you on quater finals day when we go. So disappointed for you.
— Rachael Lemanski-Lewis (@LewisLemanski) June 27, 2021
What terrible news, but I do wonder myself whether she was vaccinated or not and how that'd come into play. Tennis isn't a contact sport but they're all in a bubble and locker rooms can become a vector and obviously not everyone is gonna be vaccinated.
— FKAnthony2 (@anthony2_fk) June 27, 2021
Ahh how annoying!!
— Sophie💙🏴 (@Sophie_Clare1) June 27, 2021
So, so sorry ((((Johanna)))) ., I know how disappointing this may be. But never forget, every cloud has a silver lining, which you will see in retrospect. Looking forward to seeing you excel in US Open. Much love and respect <3
— Wendy Weger (@weger_wendy) June 27, 2021
with AAP
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