Thiem’s coach Massu positive for COVID-19 as Australian Open nears

Austrian Dominic Thiem’s father Wolfgang Thiem and coach Nicolas Massu (R) look at him playing against Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain during the Generali Open Tennis Tournament on August 3, 2019. (Photo by Stefan ADELDBERGER / various sources / AFP)

World number three and US Open champion Dominic Thiem has had to travel to Australia without his coach Nicolas Massu who tested positive for the coronavirus, Austrian media reported Wednesday.

“Before flying out we got the surprising news that Massu had received a positive test result,” Thiem’s father Wolfgang was quoted as saying by the Kurier daily.

“Nico will get tested again in a few days. We hope it then comes back negative and he can follow on after,” said Wolfgang.

But he added that the Chilean Massu was expected to be unavailable for “one to two weeks”.

He told Austrian media that in the meantime he would train with Dominic and fellow Austrian Dennis Novak.

Thiem and Novak flew to Australia on Wednesday.

They will quarantine before they represent Austria in the ATP Cup.

The ATP Cup starts on February 1 in Melbourne, with the Australian Open following on February 8.

Also on Wednesday Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya announced he would not be traveling to attend the Australian Open due to the current coronavirus restrictions.