Paire played Norwegian Casper Ruud in first round, but retired in second set when he was down 6-4 2-0, citing tiredness
Wednesday 23 September 2020 19:44, UK
Benoit Paire has revealed he was allowed to compete at the Hamburg European Open despite testing positive for COVID-19.
Paire, who was forced to pull out of the US Open and required to quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19, tested negative in Rome last week, only to test positive again in Hamburg, although his most recent test was negative again.
The Frenchman was no longer deemed contagious under local rules and played Norwegian Casper Ruud in his first-round match, but retired in the second set when he was down 6-4 2-0, citing tiredness.
"When I arrived, the test came back positive again," Paire, who also played in the Rome Masters last week, told reporters. "I can't take it anymore, I'm breaking.
"And then I'm told, in Germany, if you are positive and have already completed the quarantine [period], they no longer test the players because even if you catch it again, you are no longer contagious.
"I said 'thank you' to the doctor and the tournament [organisers] for allowing me to play. In Paris, some are negative but since the coach tested positive, they cannot play. Here, in Germany, you test positive and you can still play."
The rules are different for the French Open, where any positive test means immediate elimination from the event.
Six players in the French Open men's and women's qualifying draw were withdrawn this week after either testing positive for COVID-19 or after coming in close contact with a coach who tested positive.
Paire added that he fears he will be withdrawn from the French Open after a doctor in France told him there was a 50 per cent chance he would test positive when he arrives in Paris.
The French Open begins on Sunday.
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