Wimbledon | Covid forces Berrettini and Cilic to withdraw

Day two at The Championships and one of the main title contenders is forced to withdraw having tested for Covid-19 to joins Marin Cilic on the sidelines, the Croat having announced his own withdrawal on the eve of the event citing the same reason.

I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel. The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger. Thank you for the support Matteo Berrettini

Matteo Berrettini, last year’s finalist, announced his withdrawal via social media to the disappointment of his fans and those backing him to go one stage further this year.

“I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from @wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result. I have had flu symptoms and been isolating the last few days. Despite symptoms not being severe, I decided it was important to take another test this morning to protect the health and safety of my fellow competitors and everyone else involved in the tournament,” the 26-year-old Italian said in a statement.

“I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel. The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger. Thank you for the support.”

Berrettini who has an exemplary record on grass having won Stuttgart a few weeks ago defeating Andy Murray in the final and followed that up by collecting the Queen’s title for a second year running.

With Cilic also having retired after testing positive last weekend, the worry now is whether there could be a Covid outbreak at Wimbledon with Rafa Nadal a potential victim having last week, practiced with Berrettini on Centre Court.

The pair then also posed for pictures after the session with Berrettini posting a copy on Instagram captioned: “First ever pre-tournament player practice on Centre Court at @wimbledon. @rafaelnadal always a pleasure.”

Meanwhile the Club has said in a statement following the eighth seed’s withdrawal: “As a major event we have and continue to work in conjunction with the UK Public Health Security Agency and our Local Authority.

“We have maintained enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising operations and offer full medical support for anyone feeling unwell. We are following UK guidance around assessment and isolation of any potential infectious disease. Our player medical team also continue to wear face masks for any consultation.”

Nadal, meanwhile, revealed he was feeling fine ahead of his first match this afternoon.