2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini has been forced to pull out of the Wimbledon Championships after testing positive for COVID-19.
The world No.11 confirmed in a statement published on Tuesday morning that he has been recently suffering from flu-like symptoms following his win at Queen’s. Berrettini was considered a major contender for the title this season after winning back-to-back grass-court titles. Prior to Queen’s, he also defeated Andy Murray to win the Stuttgart Open.
“I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result,” Berrettini wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
It is yet another setback for the italian during what has been a roller-coaster season. Besides his success on the court, he was forced to miss three months of competition between March-June after undergoing hand surgery. Since returning, he has gone 9-0 on the Tour.
“I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel. The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger,” Berrettini concluded.
Earlier this week former US Open champion Marin Cilic also withdrew from Wimbledon after producing a positive covid test. The Croat has confirmed that he is experiencing symptoms and said he is ‘unwell and unable to compete.’
Berrettini was in section five of the Wimbledon draw and was on course to play Diego Schwartzman in the fourth round, followed by Stefanos Tsitsipas. He has been replaced by lucky loser Elias Ymer who will play Chile’s Cristian Garin in the first round.
