Rolex Paris Masters 2020 Suffers a Setback Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

As coronavirus cases surge in France, the Rolex Paris Masters 2020 is facing the impact despite the strict protocols in place. The latest player to test positive is Corentin Moutet, who has been withdrawn from the indoor tournament. The 21-year-old won his opening round match against Salvatore Caruso and was scheduled to face Marin Cilic in the second round.

In a

statement issued by ATP, they confirmed the news of Moutet testing positive and been withdrawn as per the directions of the local health authorities. Just a day before doubles champion Joe Salisbury had been forced to withdraw, despite testing negative. Salisbury was taken into isolation as he had come in contact with a positive case and was withdrawn from the tournament.“Following confirmation of a positive COVID-19 test result on 3 November 2020, Corentin Moutet has been withdrawn from the main draw of the Rolex Paris Masters,” mentioned ATP in the official circular.

The governing body gave the assurance that ATP’s medical team and the tournament physician were constantly monitoring the health of the French tennis player. Moutet joins the growing list of players to have contracted COVID-19 in recent months, including Benoit Paire, Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Simona Halep.

“Mr. Moutet was moved into isolation and the Tournament Physician, ATP Medical Team, and local health authorities continue to monitor his condition. Mr. Moutet’s second-round opponent advances by walkover.” wrote the ATP.

Thankyou Rolex Paris Masters: Corentin Moutet

Despite the unfortunate news, Moutet took to

Instagram to thank Rolex Masters for the opportunity. The World No.75 vowed to compete at the 2021 Australian Open and expressed his gratitude for the support messages he had received.

Due to Moutet’s withdrawal from the main draw, the 2014 US Open champion, Marin Cilic, will receive a walkover. Cilic has had a poor season so far, he got eliminated in the first round from the

French Open and in the fourth round from this year’s US Open. On both occasions, Cilic lost to World No.3 Dominic Thiem, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.