ATP's new COVID-19 measures: Testing on arrival, two-team member limit

The ATP has given players a description of the coronavirus protocols that tournaments will be implementing when its tour restarts, including rules around testing and taking of temperatures.

According to *Marca*, these protocols will go into effect starting in Washington, D.C., where the men's tour is scheduled to resume for the first time since shutting down three and a half months ago.

The Spanish newspaper said that players and team members will undergo testing and have their temperature recorded when they arrive on site. Any player who tests positive or has a temperature will be placed in isolation, which would prevent them from taking part in the competition.

In addition, the positive player's team members and others at the tournament with whom they have been in contact with will undergo testing every two days and have their temperatures taken every day.

The protocols will get more impetus from Grigor Dimitrov's announcement Sunday that he has contracted COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of the championship match of Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour event in Zadar, Croatia. Djokovic was due to face Andrey Rublev in the final, when organizers informed the crowd of the situation.

Djokovic and Dimitrov played basketball ahead of their Adria Tour appearance in Zadar. (AP Photo)

Numbers on site at ATP events will also be significantly reduced—players will be allowed only two team members, along with only essential tournament personnel, ATP reps and anti-doping and anti-corruption officials.

Washington, D.C. is scheduled to be followed by the Western & Southern Open and the US Open, both played in Flushing Meadows. The USTA has announced its own measures for these events, which also include testing and restriction of numbers on site.

The WTA is scheduled to return August 3 at Palermo, but according to Marca, it has yet to be decided whether the event will carry ranking points. The ATP has not issued any announcement about ranking points at its events either.

Both Palermo and Washington, D.C. organizers have indicated they will look to have limited fans in seats if allowed by local authorities.

Entry and withdrawal rules have also been adjusted to provide some flexibility for players.