World No.5 Andrey Rublev has become the fifth player to test positive for COVID-19 after playing at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi just weeks out from the Australian Open.
The Russian is in isolation in Barcelona, seemingly certain to be ruled out of Russia's defence of the ATP Cup title, with that nine-day tournament starting on Saturday in Sydney.
Spaniard Rafa Nadal, Canadian Denis Shapovalov, Switzerland's Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and Tunisian Ons Jabeur all tested positive after taking part in the Abu Dhabi event.
US Open champion Emma Raducanu tested positive in Abu Dhabi before the event and withdrew, while Nadal's coach Carlos Moya also contracted the virus.
The 24-year-old Rublev, who beat Andy Murray in the Aby Dhabi final on December 18, confirmed on Twitter he was isolating with minimal symptoms.
"I am currently in Barcelona and unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19," Rublev said. "I am in isolation and following all the protocols under the supervision of doctors.
"As you know, I am fully vaccinated and was preparing for tournaments - ATP Cup and Australian Open. Now I have to recover and I will go to Melbourne only when it will be safe for everyone."
The Australian Open will be held at Melbourne Park from January 17. Rublev was part of the Russian team that won the men's ATP Cup this year and had been included in the team for the upcoming edition in Sydney.
