Alexander Zverev Reckons 'Quite A Few Players' Have Got Covid At The Australian Open

Alexander Zverev believes "quite a few players" have got Covid-19 at the Australian Open.

The German's claims come not long after 29th seed Ugo Humbert tested positive for the virus shortly after his first-round defeat at the hands of French compatriot Richard Gasquet.

And with cases spiking Down Under, tennis star Zverev reckons there is probably a few athletes competing at the Australian Open who would be positive.

"Look, I think this year in Australia is a lot more cases than last year, simple as that," Zverev said after his victory over Aussie John Millman.

"And we are allowed to go outside to eat, allowed to do whatever we want, so I think it's natural that more people get Covid.

"Quite a few players I think have it now. We are not getting tested, so I think if we would get tested there would be probably more positives than there are now, in a way."

Clearly with his sights set on winning the title, Zverev admitted he has been trying to reduce risk of spread by not going out in Melbourne, staying strictly in his hotel room or on the court.

Alamy

According to Australian Open regulations, athletes must be fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption in order to compete - just ask world No.1 Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian star made headlines around the globe when he was deported from the country due to his jab status.

But given the rising number of cases in Australia over the recent months, it seems the players themselves still aren't completely safe from getting it - Bernard Tomic being one of them.

During the qualifying stages of the tournament, the Aussie made worrying mid-match claims that he would be positive to coronavirus if he was tested.

"I'm sure in the next two days I'll test positive, I'm telling you," Tomic said during an exchange with the chair umpire.

"I'll buy you dinner if I don't test positive in three days. Otherwise you buy me dinner.

"I cannot believe nobody's getting tested. They're allowing players to come on the court with rapid tests in their room. Come on.

"No official PCR testing."

Shortly after his defeat, Tomic revealed that he was experiencing flu-like symptoms and he eventually tested positive.