The ‘World Cup’ of tennis is here. The qualifying rounds for the Davis Cup finals are taking place this week. 24 teams are vying for the remaining 12 slots in the finals. However, the qualifying tie between Slovakia vs Italy and Finland vs Belgium has been hit with positive Covid-19 cases. Joran Vliegen of Belgium and Alex Molcan of Slovakia have tested positive for Covid-19.

Covid-19 positive cases mar two Davis Cup Finals qualifying ties

Belgium, which is seeded third in the qualifying round is up against Finland at the Espoo Metro Areena, Espoo, Finland. However, Joran Vliegen of Belgium tested positive for the Covid-19 virus before the tie. Subsequently, he went into isolation.

In a statement on Twitter, the Belgian Davis Cup Team said, “Joran Vliegen has tested positive for COVID-19 at the FIN v BEL Davis Cup Qualifier tie in Espoo. The event Covid-19 protocols are being followed and the ITF and the RBTF are in coordination with the Covid-19 Officer at the tie and the independent Covid-19 medical lead. The player is isolating and will remain in isolation until cleared as per the established protocols. The tie will continue as planned.”

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However, this wasn’t the end as the tie between Slovakia and Italy was affected by the virus too. Former Davis Cup champions and seventh seeds Italy are up against Slovakia at the NTC Arena, Bratislava, Slovakia. World Number 66, Alex Molcan of Slovakia, tested positive for Covid-19 and subsequently went into isolation.

A statement by ITF on their official Twitter handle read, “Alex Molcan has tested positive for Covid-19 at the SVK v ITA Davis Cup Qualifier tie in Bratislava. The Covid-19 protocols are being followed and the ITF and the Slovak Tennis Association are in coordination with the Covid-19 Officer and the independent Covid-19 medical lead. The player is isolating and will remain in isolation until cleared as per the established protocols. The tie will continue as planned, and his replacement in today’s second singles match will be confirmed in due course.”

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What is the status of the two ties?

As stated earlier, the ties went ahead after following the necessary Covid-19 protocols. Belgium vs Finland tie is locked at 1-1, with David Goffin winning the first match against Otto Virtanen. Further, Zizou Bergs, who replaced Joran Vliegen could not overcome the challenge of Emil Ruusuvuori, as the tie leveled up after the first day.

Things were level in Slovakia too, with Jannik Sinner winning the opening match of the tie against Norbert Gombos. However, Slovakia came back strongly in the tie as Filip Horansky shocked World Number 21 Lorenzo Sonego. With the all-important doubles tie today, it would be exciting to see who gets a foot ahead.

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