France’s Alizee Cornet made shocking claims on Tuesday that players at the 2022 French Open contracted Covid-19 but did not make it public and there was an understanding between them not to self-test despite symptoms.
2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini and 2017 finalist Marin Cilic pulled out of the 2022 Championships after testing positive for Covid-19 before their singles matches.
Barbora Krejcikova and Marie Buzkova recently withdrew from the French Open after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to French daily L’Equipe, former world number 11 Cornet was quoted as saying: “At some point… we could all have the flu.”
“At Roland Garros, yes, I think there have been some cases and it’s a tacit agreement between us. We’re not going to self-examine to get in trouble. Later, I saw girls wearing masks, maybe Because she knew and used to not want to move on.”
Wimbledon organizers All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) have not imposed COVID-19 restrictions for the 2022 edition. In addition, vaccination and testing are not mandatory for players to compete.
Cornet said he feared the health rules at Wimbledon could change following Berrettini and Cilic’s Covid-19 cases. “The rules may change after the Berrettini and Cilic cases,” she said.
Meanwhile, 2022 French Open finalist Coco Gauff said she was comfortable testing at the grasscourt Grand Slam.
“I think for the most part, I think it’s okay that the players are doing it themselves,” Gough said. “That’s, like, the rules in the government right now, if you feel symptoms, get tested.
“If I felt any Covid symptoms this is what I would do, I would test. I think it’s also good that we don’t have to test every day or every other day. I don’t want to go back to that. Not being done Is afraid of testing, but it is also kind of a hassle.
“I think with vaccines and everything, we know the viral load is low and it’s very hard to transfer if you’re a vaccinated person. If you’re feeling symptomatic to get tested, I encourage everyone. I will.”