02 August 2020

WTA announce unnamed player tests positive for Covid-19 shortly before Palermo Open

The WTA have announced an unnamed player has tested positive for Covid-19 shortly before the qualifying rounds were due to begin at The Palermo Ladies Open.

The WTA Tour is set to return on August 3 after the coronavirus pandemic brought it to a halt in March. 

The player, who has no symptoms, has withdrawn from the tournament, but the event will continue as planned.

The WTA said: “Any individual who tests positive will remain in isolation until cleared by a physician per the established protocols, and will receive proper medical treatment. 

"In addition, all those who may have been in close contact with the individual are undergoing testing per WTA protocols."

The news comes soon after more than 400 athletes and staff were tested ahead of the event which returned zero positive cases. 

Tennis star Simona Halep had already withdrawn from the tournament earlier this week over virus concerns. 

The Palermo Ladies Open will take place in Italy from August 3-9.

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