Andy Murray tests positive for Covid-19

Scottish broadcaster said Murray was self-isolating and still had hopes of competing in the Australian Open

Andy Murray is said to be in good health despite reportedly testing positive for Covid-19. Reuters

Scottish tennis player Andy Murray has tested positive for Covid-19, though he is believed to be in good health.

Scottish broadcaster STV said Murray was self-isolating and still had hopes of competing in the Australian Open next month.

Murray is a former world No 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion who has slipped in the rankings in recent years following hip surgery.

The 33-year-old was due to travel to Australia on one of a series of charter flights laid on by tournament organisers but is still isolating at home in London.

Britain's Press Association news agency said Murray is hoping to be able to arrive in Australia at a later date.

Murray is a five-time runner-up in Melbourne but having dropped to 123 in the world rankings, he is ranked too low to gain direct entry into the tournament so has been given a wildcard.

Murray is the latest player to have his plans disrupted, with world No 2 Rafael Nadal travelling to Melbourne in search of a record 21st Grand Slam men's singles title without coach Carlos Moya, who has decided to stay at home in Spain with his family because of the health situation.

World No 3 Dominic Thiem's coach Nicolas Massu has also not travelled after a positive Covid test, Thiem's father Wolfgang told Austrian newspaper Kurier.

More than 1,200 players and support staff are arriving in Australia from Thursday for 14 days' quarantine ahead of the delayed tournament, which is due to start on February 8.

Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, has spent months trying to deal with the logistical nightmares of hosting the Grand Slam during a pandemic.

Tennis Australia said players were only allowed into Australia with proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure, or with approval as a recovered case at the discretion of the Australian government.

The qualifying tournament for the Grand Slam event took place in Dubai and Qatar.