Bianca Andreescu of Canada returns to Ashleigh Barty of Australia during the finals at the Miami Open tennis tournament, April 3, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.Lynne Sladky/The Associated Press
Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu says she has tested positive for COVID-19.
Andreescu, the world No. 6, made the announcement on social media on Sunday. She added she won’t be playing in the coming Madrid Open.
Andreescu, 20, said the positive test came after she arrived in Madrid.
“After testing negative twice before my flight to Madrid, I was sadly informed that I tested positive upon arrival for COVID-19,” she said in a statement.
“Therefore I will not be playing at the Madrid Open later this week.
“I am feeling good, I’m resting and continuing to follow the health protocols and safety guidelines. I look forward to getting back out on the court very soon.”
Andreescu, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, played at the Miami Open earlier this month, reaching the final against Australian Ashleigh Barty. But the Mississauga native was forced to retire in the second set after falling awkwardly earlier in the match and suffering an ankle injury.
Andreescu was also forced to miss 15 months as the result of a knee injury, returning to play in the 2021 Australian Open. After winning her first-round match, Andreescu lost in straight sets to Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan in the second round.
Like numerous other sport governing bodies across the globe, the WTA has said it will encourage players to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but would not require it for competition.
The Canadian Press, Reuters