Tennys Sandgren: US tennis player boards plane to Australian Open despite positive Covid-19 test

In a series of posts on Twitter, Sandgren initially conceded that he may not be able to fly to the first tennis grand slam of the year but later wrote: “Wow I’m on the plane. Maybe I just held my breath too long. Craig Tiley [Tennis Australia CEO] is a wizard.”

“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,” read the statement.

Lisa Neville, Australia’s Minister for Police and Emergency Services, confirmed on Twitter that Sandgren’s positive result had been reviewed by health experts and “determined to be viral shedding from a previous infection, so was given the all clear to fly.”

It comes as three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray has tested positive for Covid-19, just days before he was due to fly to Melbourne.

Murray is currently isolating at his home in Surrey, England, and it’s unsure whether he’ll be granted permission to compete in next month’s event.

‘Totally recovered’

But 10 days is just a general guideline, with viral shedding able to continue for longer.

Following criticism on Twitter, the world No. 50 said: “There’s not a single documented case where I would be contagious at this point. Totally recovered!”

Over 1,000 players and coaches have started arriving for this year’s event, which has already been delayed by three weeks. The tournament is set to run from February 8-21.

Those playing in this year’s Australian Open must complete a two-week quarantine upon landing in the country.

Tournament organizers said players would also “undergo a more rigorous testing schedule than most returning travelers.”