Former tennis champion Andy Murray tests COVID positive

Former world number one tennis player Andy Murray has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently self-isolating himself at his home in Surrey.

Murray was all set to reach Melbourne for the upcoming Australian Open 2021 this week on a special charter flight but will have to recover from the disease first before he can make it in time for the season-opening Grand Slam tournament which begins on February 8, three weeks later than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Australian Open organisers have made arrangements for players and coaches to travel to Melbourne on 15 special charter flights with only 25 per cent capacity.

Strict COVID protocols state all players must return a negative test prior to boarding their flight and everyone is tested on arrival and isolated until results are received.

Each and every person coming to Australia will have to quarantine for 14 days after touching down in Melbourne but players and coaches will be allowed to train for 5 hours every day.

Murray, who was handed a wildcard for the Australian Open, is hopeful that he will be allowed to travel at a later date and compete as planned. Murray has reached the Australian Open final on 5 occasions in the past but has never won the tournament.