Daniil Medvedev has said it “doesn’t bother” him that he has to undergo testing for covid-19 everyday after being deemed to be in close contact with Benoit Paire, who tested positive for the virus a week ago.
The Russian, the third seed in New York this summer, is one of 11 players who was deemed to have been in contact with Paire, who was withdrawn from the tournament before it began. Changes in protocol for those deemed to have been close contact with the Frenchman have dominated headlines over the past few days, with Adrian Mannarino having to receive special permission to take to the court for his third round match and Kristina Mladenovic being withdrawn from the Women’s Doubles event alongside partner Timea Babos.
The rules are not as extreme for Medvedev, who was not seen to be in close proximity to Paire for a prolonged period, and the 2019 US Open runner-up claimed after his third round win on Saturday that he was not aware that he had been in contact with the Frenchman.
“I actually had no contact with Benoit. I don't know how they check it, like how they trace it. I think it's by credential, and maybe I was in the same room with him. But I didn't have contact with him,” said Medvedev in press following his third round win over J.J. Wolf. The Russian added that he had been told by a local doctor and the USTA that he would be allowed to compete and live a fairly unrestricted life in the bubble as long as he was tested everyday.
“I have done maybe five tests, five negative tests, and I will continue to do them every day. It doesn't bother me at all.” The world number five also said that he believed that the likes of Mladenovic should have been given the chance to play, “If you ask my opinion, I think they should play. But my opinion doesn't mean anything here.”
Despite the added restrictions on him Medvedev has impressed so far in New York, being the only man to reach the second week without dropping a set. He will face unseeded American Frances Tiafoe for a place in the quarterfinal.