UPDATE: Bernard Tomic says he is “feeling really sick” just hours after making a wild mid-match claim that he would test positive for COVID-19 during his Australian Open qualifier.
Tomic lashed the testing protocols currently in place for the qualifiers during his 6-1, 6-4 loss to Russia’s Roman Safiullin at Melbourne’s Kia Arena today.
The 29-year-old then took to his Instagram account to update his followers on his condition.
LIVE UPDATES: All eyes on Djokovic in return to Rod Laver Arena
READ MORE: Disdain and support flood in for Novak Djokovic
“Feeling really sick, I’m now back in my hotel room,” he wrote.
“Just spoke to the doctors on site and they’ve asked me to isolate. They couldn’t treat me yet to avoid contact.
“Thank you for all the support on the court today. I really appreciate it! I’ll do better next time.
“Very disappointed as I really wanted to make Aussies proud and perform well on my home turf.”
A frustrated Tomic vented to the chair umpire in between games in the second set of his loss to Safiullin.
“I’m sure, in the next two days, I will test positive,” the 29-year-old Australian said.
“I’m telling you, I’m telling you. I will buy you dinner if I don’t test positive in three days.
“Otherwise you buy me dinner. I cannot believe nobody is getting tested.
READ MORE: NRL Integrity Unit under fire over Curtis Scott allegations
READ MORE: Former Dockers, Demons player Harley Balic dies aged 25
“They are allowing players to come on the court with rapid tests in their room. No official PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing, unbelievable.”
The 2022 Sydney Tennis Classic will be held from January 10-15, with live matches, highlights, mini matches and full match replays on Stan Sport. New customers can start their free trial now by visiting: Stan.com.au/tennis
However, a Tennis Australia spokesperson disputed Tomic’s claims, telling Wide World of Sports that every player was PCR tested before the tournament started – and required a negative result to compete.
The spokesperson also said players received daily rapid antigen tests.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!