Joe Salisbury withdrawn from Paris Masters due to close contact with infected person

Doubles world No. 7 Joe Salisbury has been withdrawn from the Paris Masters because he was in a close contact with a person positive for the coronavirus, the ATP announced on Monday. 

Salisbury, a former doubles world No. 3, entered the Paris main draw with his American partner Rajeev Ram. 

Salisbury and Ram, who debuted as a team at the Paris Masters last year, made the quarterfinal in their first appearance at Bercy last season. 

Salisbury's test came back as negative but he remains in isolation and the tournament organizers replaced Salisbury and Ram with a different pair. 

"Following sustained close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, and in accordance with directives of local health authorities, Joe Salisbury has been withdrawn from the doubles main draw of the Rolex Paris Masters," the ATP statement read.

"The credentialed individual, confirmed as COVID-19 positive on 1 November 2020, was moved into isolation. Mr. Salisbury, who has not tested positive for COVID-19, was also moved into isolation and remains asymptomatic. The Tournament Physician and ATP Medical Team continue to monitor their conditions. 

"The team Ram/Salisbury has been replaced in the draw."

Salisbury will he hoping to be ready for the Nitto ATP Finals 

Salisbury and Ram, who claimed their maiden Grand Slam title earlier this year at the Australian Open, have won the most points as a team this season and they have clinched a spot for the Nitto ATP Finals.

"I don’t think I thought when I asked you to play just over a year ago that we’d be standing here now, but it’s been an honour to play with you,” Salisbury said to Ram during the on-court trophy ceremony at Melbourne Park. “It’s been so much fun to have you as my partner and as my friend. Thank you so much for being the best partner I could get.”

Ram and Salisbury eased past Australia's Max Purcell and Luke Saville 6-4 6-2 in the Australian Open final.

"I've been quite nervous the last couple days,” Salisbury admitted moments after winning the Australian Open. “But then, actually today, the closer it got to the match, I almost felt more calm. Once we got on court, I didn't really feel that nervous. Almost felt like that once we get on court, that's when we sort of feel more comfortable. We knew we'd just go out there, do our thing. We were going to do our best. We were ready to go. Whatever happened happened.”

Hopefully, Salisbury will remain negative and he will be able to compete with Ram at The O2 Arena from November 15-22.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2HNWE3i