‘Heartbroken’ Matteo Berrettini PULLS OUT of Wimbledon after testing positive for Covid-19 – as last year’s runner-up and the reigning Queens champion withdraws before his first-round clash with Cristian Garin
Wimbledon was hit by a major Covid-19 blow this morning after last year’s finalist Matteo Berrettini withdrew due to a bout of the virus.
The popular Italian, in fine form after winning Queen’s, joined former runner-up Marin Cilic in pulling out, further depleting the field in the absence of Russians and Belarussians.
Last year Wimbledon escaped relatively lightly last year from the pandemic, with Jo Konta the only significant casualty.
A shattered Berrettini, who was in the top three favourites with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal said via Instagram: ‘: ‘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.
‘I have no words to describe the extreme disappointed I feel. The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger.’
More to follow.
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