Sam Querrey Gets A Free Pass After Violating COVID-19 Protocols

ATP concluded its investigation of Sam Querrey, who breached COVID-19 protocols at the 2020 St. Petersburg Open. The investigation found Querrey’s conduct to be contrary to the integrity of the game under the Player Major Offense provision in the ATP Code of Conduct.

The ATP issued a fine of $20,000 but he will not need to pay the fine as long as he commits no further breaches of the health and safety protocols for 6 months.

At the St. Petersburg Open in October, Sam Querrey tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation by Russian health authorities. But he left the country on a private plane with his wife and child.

ATP’s conclusion has left everyone scratching their head. A violation of COVID-19 protocol in these times deserves a much harsher sentence. Querrey will not miss a single match or pay a single dollar in fine for his actions.

It makes you wonder what would have happened if the situation had been reversed – a Russian player leaves an American tournament after violating COVID-19 protocols. Would he get a suspended fine and probation too?

The ATP has been criticized for the way in which it handled the domestic abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev. Just like Querrey, Zverev paid no price for his actions. He was not even formally investigated by the ATP.

The ATP needs to review its policies and ensure that its action has some teeth. Players who misbehave must pay a price.  That will keep the other players from violating the rules and protocols.

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Iga Swiatek Signs Contract With Tecnifibre, Will Use T-Rebound Tempo Racquet

It’s official! Iga Swiatek has signed a sponsorship deal with Tecnifibre and will be moving to Technifbre racquets in 2021. She was previously playing with a Prince racquet, without a logo. She did not have a contract with Price. Swiatek had used Tecnifibre racquets until she was 12.

With this move, Tecnifibre has two players in the women’s top 100. The French company previously signed Russian player, Daria Kasatkina. Swiatek will be using the Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo racquet, which is specially designed for female tennis players. She will be using the Razor Code polyester strings.

Daniil Medvedev, the number 4 ranked player in the world on the men’s side also Tecnifibre racquets. With Medvedev, 24, and Swiatek, 19 on its ranks, the company has positioned itself well with two young players on the tour.

Swiatek was seen practicing with Tecnifibre racquets in the offseason. It appears that she was comfortable enough to make the move. Top players are reluctant to make racquet changes because racquet changes impact their games. But a lot of money was also on the line for Swiatek. She was not sponsored by Prince, the American racquet maker, whose poor financial situation does not allow it to sponsor top players.

Swiatek, who won the 2020 French Open in stunning fashion was voted the Fan Favorite WTA player for 2020. Tecnifibre which makes racquets and strings was acquired by another French brand, Lacoste, in 2018.

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