Benoit Paire Out Due To Positive COVID Test At US Open, More Players Invovled?

The first player to test positive at the US Open this year is reportedly 17th-seeded Benoit Paire. The eccentric Frenchman was replaced in the draw by Marcel Granollers just a short while at the USTA announced an unnamed player had tested positive for the virus and was removed from the event.

“A player has tested positive for COVID-19 at the US Open and has been withdrawn from the tournament. The player is asymptomatic.

The USTA, together with its medical advisors and infectious disease specialist from the Mount Sinai Health System, confirmed a positive test result for a player. In accordance with New York State Department of Health requirements, and in alignment with CDC guidelines and the Tournament health and safety protocols, the player has been advised that they must isolate for at least 10 days. In addition, contact tracing has been initiated to determine if anyone must quarantine for 14 days.

While the tournament didn’t specifically name Paire, not other player in either singles or doubles has been replaced. And French media reported that it was Paire.

By rule, Paire has to isolate for 10 days and then tournament officials have to trace his steps to see what other players may be infected or spent extended periods of time with him.

So far, it’s just Paire, but things could get messy on the eve of the US Open.