Great Britain’s Johanna Konta was removed from Wimbledon participation on Sunday after a team member of hers tested positive for COVID-19.
Konta was deemed to be a close contact and was withdrawn from the field.
“A member of Johanna Konta’s team presented with COVID-19 symptoms this morning, and immediately isolated and undertook a PCR test in accordance with The Championships’ testing protocols,” Wimbledon said in a statement on Sunday. “A positive result was returned which resulted in the AELTC (All England Club), together with Public Health England, identifying Johanna Konta to be a close contact. In line with government legislation, she is required to self-isolate for 10 days and therefore is withdrawn from The Championships.
“Both Johanna and her team member had tested negative on all previous tests undertaken within The Championships’ protocols. Both individuals were advised of the positive test and close-contact classification and are now self-isolating for the next 10 days.”
Konta, ranked 31st in the world, is the top-ranked women’s player in Great Britain. She was a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2017 when she lost to Venus Williams.
Konta was scheduled to face Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the first round. China’s Wang Yafan replaced Konta in the draw.
Wimbledon begins Monday. The Grand Slam event wasn’t held last season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
–Field Level Media