Struggling ATP star reveals Covid-19 infection left him ‘in severe pain’

French number two Ugo Humbert says Covid-19 left him in ‘severe pain’ and unable to train earlier this year.

The Frenchman was bested by compatriot Richard Gasquet at the Australian Open in January, but the drastically below-par performance later made sense when he tested positive for Covid.

Following a period of isolation, things didn’t improve with him defeated in his opening matches at both the Open Sud de France and Rotterdam in February, and those troubles continued in a meek loss to Holger Rune at Indian Wells.

Humbert, though, has lifted the lid on his recent troubles, admitting that Covid-19 has had a dramatic effect on his tennis.

“I think I was infected by my physiotherapist, who had direct contact with Fiona Ferro, who then tested positive for Coronavirus,” Humbert told L’Equipe.

“From that point on, it was very difficult to recover and go back to a normal training session.

“I had respiratory problems and, again due to Covid, I was unable to train for more than thirty minutes a day.

“I felt severe pain in my legs, I was always exhausted and could not enjoy tennis.”

Humbert is next scheduled to compete at the Miami Open.

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