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Where’s Sam Querrey? The US world number 49 would actually be present at the ATP 500 tournament in St. Petersburg, but was deleted from the tournament due to its corona infection. Instead of going into quarantine, the 33-year-old is now apparently in hiding.
Like tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg reported on Twitter, Querrey tested positive for the corona virus before his opening game in St. Petersburg – as did his wife Abby and his eight-month-old son Ford. The plan was for the Querrey to go into quarantine in their luxury hotel in St. Petersburg, for what purpose the family had also agreed.
But then Sam Querrey received an unexpected call from someone at the Russian Health Department, telling him that they were about to have a doctor visit. He would also examine the woman and his son and if symptoms were found the family could be forced to be admitted to the hospital.
The shock was deep with the Querreys, who apparently only suffer from mild symptoms. Because they feared they would be separated from their young son in another country. The 2017 Wimbledon semi-finalist quickly arranged a private jet to take his family across the Russian border – beyond the reach of the Russian health authorities.
According to Ben Rothenberg, the Querreys were brought to a “nearby European country”, for whose entry no negative test is required. Then they were housed in private accommodation. The world number 49 does not want to disclose its exact location, possibly out of fear of extradition. Rothenberg assumes that the Querreys are on the Baltic Sea.
ATP speaks of a “serious violation” – ban threatens
With his escape from Russia Querrey violated the health protocol of the ATP, which caused considerable consternation at the tennis association. The action of the American is a “serious violation,” writes the ATP in a statement. They take this matter very seriously and investigations have started.
The ATP appeals to the players that such a step “could jeopardize the functionality of an event and have an impact on the rest of the tour”. Such violations by players could create difficulties for the association in obtaining permits for further tennis events around the world.
Querrey actually planned to stay longer in Europe and play other tournaments – such as the ATP 1000 tournament in Paris-Bercy, which starts in two weeks. It is very likely that the ATP will take him out of circulation for a few weeks – that is, a ban. But Querrey must first come out of his hiding place.
