Bencic is positive for COVID-19, his symptoms are severe

MDP Live - Olympic women's tennis champion Belinda Bencic has tested positive for COVID-19 after a trip to Abu Dhabi and her infection is classified as having "severe symptoms", she was quoted as saying by Reuters on Wednesday.

This incident came a day after Rafael Nadal also announced that he had tested positive for the disease.

The two players last week traveled to Abu Dhabi to play in the exhibition event Mubadala World Tennis Championshipu.

Nadal said he had an "unpleasant moment" after testing positive on his return to Spain.

"Unfortunately and although I have been fully vaccinated, I recently tested positive for COVID-19," Bencic said on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/lJMMgxmef0

— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) December 21, 2021

I'm currently self-isolating and taking all precautions to get through this condition as best I can as I'm experiencing fairly severe symptoms (fever, pain, chills).

"Although the timing is not ideal as I am in the final stages of preparation for the Australian Open, I will be leaving for Australia as soon as I am released and through isolation."

Bencic was beaten by Tunisian Ons Jabeur who replaced US Open champion Emma Raducanu who tested positive for COVID-19 and later withdrew from the tournament.

The Australian Open starts January 17 next year.