While the peak of the pandemic is luckily already behind us, the virus is still very much present, and it prevented Cameron Norrie from playing at the 2022 Japan Open in Tokyo.
Norrie is currently in South Korea, where he was playing at the event in Seoul, and he was playing really well. He won the first match he played against Kaichi Uchida easily, 6-2, 6-2, earning himself a chance to take on Jenson Brooksby in the quarter-final.
Unfortunately, he won’t be playing that match as he withdrew from the event due to a positive COVID-19 test. Norrie was feeling fine, but due to the protocols in place at the event, he was subjected to a test.
That test showed up positive, and the British player self-isolated as per the rules, which also meant that he had to withdraw from the event in Seoul. He also withdrew from the Japan Open because of it, as by the rules, he couldn’t compete at the event.
He has to complete the quarantine in his hotel before being allowed to leave, and that’s preventing him from traveling to Japan and playing at the event. Norrie provided an update from his hotel room, explaining that he was feeling 100%.
"Unfortunately, I had a positive COVID test in Korea and wasn't able to compete in the rest of my matches. I have no symptoms and I'm feeling 100%. It's been a complicated situation and I appreciate the Republic of Korea trying their best to be amicable in a very tough situation."
"I was really hoping to go to Tokyo, but because of the quarantine period, I will not be able to play there. Looking forward to getting back to Europe for the indoors. See you guys soon."
Unfortunately, the rules are the rules, and Norrie will have to abide by them, as unfortunate as it might be. The Brit will return to Europe once the quarantine period passes. Norrie was hoping to earn lots of points in Asia as he’s fighting for a spot at the ATP Finals.