Rising Spanish star Paula Badosa has become the first Australian Open competitor to reveal that she has tested positive for COVID-19 before the season’s first grand slam.

The 23-year-old has been isolating in Melbourne under the mandatory 14-day quarantine rule after a tournament-chartered flight from Abu Dhabi on which two co-passengers also subsequently tested positive.

Badosa said on social media that she had been feeling unwell and had been moved to another “health hotel” to recuperate.

The world No.67 went on Twitter to say: “I have some bad news. Today, I received a positive Covid-19 test result.

“I’m feeling unwell and have some symptoms, but I’ll try to recover as soon as possible listening to the doctors.

“I have been taken to a health hotel to self-isolate and be monitored. Thanks for your support. We’ll be back stronger. Paula.”

With the tournament beginning on February 8, Badosa has precious little time to recover and be fit for the event after looking forward to making it the starting point for another rise up the rankings in 2021.

Badosa had ended 2020 by making huge strides, reaching the last-16 at the French Open and reaching a career-high ranking.

She is due to compete in her third Australian Open, having reached the second round last year before being knocked out by eventual finalist Petra Kvitova.