Concern at Indian Wells as reports emerge of ‘virus among players’

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The Indian Wells main draw has only just begun, but the tournament is already at risk.

After winning his first-round match, Matteo Berrettini revealed that he was suffering from the flu.

Then, in reaction to Zizou Bergs’ win over Jan-Lennard Struff, his father, Koen Bergs, posted the following message on X.

“Handling well his illness (stomach complaints due to virus among the players) with tennis focused on efficiency…” he said.

If there really is a virus spreading among the players, Indian Wells could be in big trouble.

Virus could derail Indian Wells and cause mass withdrawals

Tennis needs Indian Wells to go smoothly.

Both WTA 1000 events, the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships, were affected by several high-profile withdrawals and retirements.

With all the big names returning in California, the last thing anyone wants to see is players pulling out left, right, and centre.

Unfortunately, the nature of viruses makes that a genuine possibility.

With 1,000s of players, coaches, and staff on site, things could soon get out of hand.

To stop the virus spreading, perhaps tournament organisers should consider reintroducing some of those ‘social distancing’ measures we all got used to a few years back!

It’s up to the players to be sensible, too.

Social media footage showing stars shaking hands and exchanging hugs as they cross paths at Indian Wells has become the norm.

Should there be a fifth Grand Slam?

If so, which tournament would it be?

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To avoid the risk of withdrawing due to the virus, players would be wise to change their behavior accordingly.

Players are professional in every other aspect of their preparation, so why should this be any different?

It will certainly be interesting to see who makes a conscious change, and whether those who don’t live to regret it.

Indian Wells tournament organisers must avoid repeat of Wimbledon 2022

As the world persevered through the global pandemic, players were on high alert at Wimbledon four years ago.

Players took regular tests, and those who came back positive were forced to withdraw.

Unfortunately, three seeded players in the men’s draw tested positive and missed out on a shot at the title.

2022 Wimbledon withdrawals

• [8] Matteo Berrettini – Withdrew
• [14] Marin Cilic – Withdrew
• [17] Roberto Bautista Agut – Withdrew before 2R

Berrettini was the biggest name to test positive.

Having reached the final the year before, the Italian travelled to London as one of the pre-tournament favorites.

His title chances had been boosted by wins in Stuttgart and Queen’s in the weeks leading up to Wimbledon.

Berrettini was understandably devastated, as he missed out on a golden opportunity to win his first Grand Slam.

Four years on, Berrettini hasn’t returned to the quarterfinals at SW19.

After Berrettini withdrew, Wimbledon decided to review its guidelines to prevent any further issues.

The situation isn’t the same in Indian Wells, of course.

We don’t know the severity of the virus, nor the number of people affected, but surely it makes sense to err on the side of caution.

If the organisers act now, we can enjoy the tournament, and in a few weeks, everyone will have forgotten there was a virus.

But if they sit on their hands and do nothing, this event could be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Indian Wells order of play (Thursday, March 5)

For now, it’s business as usual in California, and there are plenty of big matches for fans to look forward to.

Diane Parry vs Venus Williams is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.

Can the 45-year-old win her first singles match of the year? Only time will tell.