The US Open endured fresh controversy after New York health officials ordered the women’s top doubles pairing be withdrawn over coronavirus...
The US Open endured fresh controversy after New York health officials ordered the women’s top doubles pairing be withdrawn over coronavirus restrictions.
Top seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos were yanked from the women’s doubles competition after Mladenovic, who played her singles match, was instructed to quarantine for coming in contact with French compatriot Benoit Paire, who tested positive for Covid-19 last weekend.
“All persons who were identified as having prolonged close contact with the infected player will quarantine in their rooms for the remainder of their quarantine period,” the United States Tennis Association said in a statement.
The USTA said local public health authorities had issued the quarantine notices, which prevented the players commuting from their hotel to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“The USTA is obligated to adhere to government guidance at the State, City and County level,” the body said.
A statement on Mladenovic/Babos: pic.twitter.com/vhOzPcckZf
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2020
A spokesman for New York state’s health department said the decision was “in the best interest” of health and safety.
But France’s Alize Cornet described the move as “very brutal.”
“It’s definitely weird because she could play her first round of singles and first round of doubles, and now suddenly she’s kicked out,” Cornet added.
The shock intervention came a day...
