After playing match with Covid-like symptoms, tennis star Alexander Zverev says he's tested negative

After saying he "shouldn't have played" in his French Open fourth round match due to Covid-like symptoms, tennis star Alexander Zverev has said he's tested negative for the virus.

In a story posted on Instagram, the world No.7 screenshotted his negative test as well as saying: "Wanted to update everyone that I have again tested negative for Covid.

"I wasn't 100% yesterday and will now take a few days to recover. Also wanted to say full credit to Jannik (Sinner) for a great match. Best of luck the rest of the way," added Zverev, referring to the Italian teenager who beat him in four sets on Sunday at Roland Garros.

Afterwards, the German told reporters that he played despite feeling sick and having a high fever. He admitted that he "shouldn't have played" because of how he was feeling.

"I'm completely sick. I can't really breathe, as you can hear by my voice," the 23-year-old told reporters at the post-match press conference.

"I had fever, you know, as well. Yeah I'm not in the best physical state, I would say. I think that had a little bit of an effect on the match today. I warmed up today; I shouldn't have played."

Zverev said that he had a 100.4° temperature following his victory over Marco Cecchinato in the third round on Friday.

Zverev's case raised questions marks about the French Open's Covid protocols, notably that the German tennis star told Eurosport Germany's 'Matchball Becker' show that he received cold medicine from the tournament doctor between his third and fourth round matches. "The tournament knew it," Zverev said on Monday. The French Open didn't respond immediately to CNN's request for a comment.

The US Open runner-up, who was not wearing a mask during the match against Sinner, was inspected during the first set of the match by medical officials and was given nasal spray for which he used on both of his nostrils.

Last month, during the trophy presentation at the US Open, Zverev revealed his parents had tested positive for Covid-19 and couldn't be with him during that tournament.

Per the French Tennis Federation (FFT), any accredited person showing symptoms including a fever or breathing difficulties, should "report to the stadium infirmaries" for a test in a dedicated room, according to the New York Times.

What is Alexander Zverev’s racquet?