Alcaraz ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19

Spain's young star Carlos Alcaraz will miss this year's Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals after testing positive for COVID-19.

The 18-year-old announced on his Instagram feed that he wouldn't be able to take part in the Finals after returning a positive PCR test on Thursday - just one day before Spain was due to open its bid to retain the Davis Cup title with a tie against Ecuador at the Madrid Arena.

"I'm sad about the way that I miss such an important and super special tournament for me as the Davis Cup," he wrote. "I was very excited to be able to play and represent my country here in Madrid in front of my people, but sometimes things don't happen as one wants."

He finished his post saying: "A lot of encouragement to the whole team. I will be cheering and watching on television."

The ITF said: "The rest of the members of the Spanish team have undergone a new PCR test this afternoon."

The Spanish Davis Cup team received encouragement from Rafael Nadal on Twitter.

The five-time Davis Cup champion posted: "Much encouragement to the entire Spanish team after the news we received today. When something like this happens, the competition takes a back seat. The most important thing is health and I hope there are no more cases. A hug to all!"

Alcaraz will be replaced in the Spanish team by Pedro Martinez, who would make his Davis Cup debut should he take to the court.