Unnamed player tests positive for WTA return

An unnamed tennis player set to feature in the Palermo Ladies Open tested positive for Covid-19 and has since withdrawn from the tournament on Saturday. The WTA tournament marks the return of tour-level tennis following a five-month forced interruption. The announcement was made amid growing concern that the 2020 WTA calendar could continue to be severely affected due to Covid-19, with even the 2020 US Open scheduled to start from August 31 seriously in doubt. World no. 1 Ashleigh Barty has already pulled out of the New York Grand Slam.