Wimbledon Champion Simona Halep Tests Positive for COVID-19

Simona Halep. (AFP)
Simona Halep. (AFP)
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Wimbledon Champion Simona Halep Tests Positive for COVID-19

Simona Halep. (AFP)
Simona Halep. (AFP)

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has tested positive for COVID-19 and said Saturday that she is “recovering well from mild symptoms.”

The 29-year-old Halep, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, had skipped the US Open due to fears of catching the coronavirus. She said in August that she preferred to stay and train in Europe.

The Romanian player announced her test result Saturday.

“I wanted to let you know that I tested positive for COVID-19. I am self-isolating at home and am recovering well from mild symptoms. I feel good ... we will get through this together," Halep said on Twitter.

Halep, a former top-ranked player, won Wimbledon in 2019 and the French Open in 2018. Wimbledon was canceled this year because of the pandemic.

Many European countries are experiencing surging numbers of COVID-19 infections. A new wave of lockdowns swept across France, Germany and other places in Europe this week.

Countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria Greece have closed or otherwise clamped down again on nightspots and imposed other restrictions such as curfews and mandatory mask-wearing.

In August, Halep expressed concern about traveling to New York for the US Open.



Ranieri Turns Down Italy Job to Stay on at Roma as Senior Advisor 

Claudio Ranieri. (Getty Images)
Claudio Ranieri. (Getty Images)
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Ranieri Turns Down Italy Job to Stay on at Roma as Senior Advisor 

Claudio Ranieri. (Getty Images)
Claudio Ranieri. (Getty Images)

Claudio Ranieri said on Tuesday he has turned down the vacant Italy manager's job, after the four-times world champions sacked Luciano Spalletti, and will stay on with AS Roma as their senior advisor.

Former Napoli coach Spalletti, 66, announced his own dismissal on Sunday following Italy's 3-0 drubbing by Norway in their opening World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Ranieri, who recently retired for a second time after his spell at Roma last season, said he was honored to have been offered the job by Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina.

"I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honor, but I have reflected and decided to remain available to Roma in my new position totally," he told Italian news agency ANSA.

"The Friedkins (Roma owners) gave me their full support and backing for whatever decision I had made regarding the national team but the decision is mine alone."

Ranieri helped Roma finish fifth in Serie A last season to qualify for the Europa League. The 73-year-old Italian has been replaced by former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma.