The Palermo Ladies Open tournament have had zero positive Covid-19 tests as the WTA Tour prepares to return for the first time since March. 

More than 400 athletes and staff were tested ahead of the event which is due to begin on August 3.

 The tournament's anti-virus coordinator Dr Antonio Cascio said: "We carried out 190 nasal swab tests. 

“All of them came back negative. The exams will continue under strict protocols.”

A further 220 serological tests were carried out but also came back negative.

Tennis star Simona Halep announced earlier this week that she was withdrawing from the event over virus concerns. 

Headlining the tournament instead is French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova, world No 15 Petra Martic and world No 20 Maria Sakkari.

The Palermo Ladies Open will take place in Italy on August 3-9.