The Australian Open has been hit by its first positive COVID test, less than three days after the competition started.

The 29th seed Ugo Humbert confirmed he received his positive result after his first round loss to French compatriot Richard Gasquet on Tuesday.

“I was tested positive on my exit test yesterday and I’ll stay one more week in isolation in Australia,” he revealed on social media.

“Thanks for your support and see you soon.”

Humbert was a shock first round loser to veteran Gasquet 6-3 6-7 6-7 3-6, despite never making it past the second round in Australia.

The 23-year-old will reportedly remain in Australia until he can produce a negative result, while Gasquet’s second round match is set to go ahead as planned on Thursday.

Humbert has endured a tough six months, winning just one match since August.

But the world number 40 did enjoy victory over Russian star Daniil Medvedev in a tough three-setter at the ATP Cup in Sydney last month.

Humbert isn’t the first tennis player to test positive to COVID in recent weeks.

Australian Bernard Tomic tested positive to COVID earlier this month after his bizarre mid-match claim that he had the virus.

Tomic had been attempting to qualify for the Australian Open when he made the stunning admission. And just two days later, he was proven correct.

Tomic did not qualify for the grand slam.