VIENNA (AFP) – World No. 3 and US Open champion Dominic Thiem had to travel to Australia without his coach Nicolas Massu, who tested positive for coronavirus, Austrian media reported on Wednesday (January 14).
“Before we got on the plane, we had the surprising news that Massu had received a positive test result,” Thiem’s father, Wolfgang, was quoted as saying by the Kurier newspaper. “Nico will be tested again in a few days. We hope it turns out negative and that it can continue later ”.
But he added that the Chilean Massu would not be available for “one or two weeks.”
He told the Austrian media that in the meantime he would train with Dominic and his compatriot Dennis Novak.
Thiem and Novak flew to Australia on Wednesday. They will be quarantined for two weeks before representing Austria in the ATP Cup.
The ATP Cup begins on February 1 in Melbourne, followed by the Australian Open on February 8.
Also on Wednesday, Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya announced that he would not travel to the Australian Open due to current restrictions on coronaviruses.
“After talking to Rafa, we decided that I will not travel to Australia with the team,” said Moya, who has been with Nadal’s coaching staff since 2016.
“My intention was to be with the team from the start of the Australian Open as usual, but the Australian government does not allow separate travel and arrivals at the start of the tournament.
“I will follow the tournament from home and I will stay with my family, parents and children due to the delicate situation Spain is experiencing with the virus. Good luck to the traveling teams ”.
Nadal is aiming to clinch a 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne, which would put him ahead of Roger Federer’s 20 as the most successful male player of all time.
The world No. 2 is scheduled for a longer schedule in Australia, starting with a show in Adelaide before traveling to Melbourne for the ATP Cup and Australian Open.
The Spaniard will receive a free kick for the Grand Slam record after Federer withdrew from the first major tournament of the year, citing the need to regain his form after two knee surgeries.
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