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Matteo Berrettini has become the second player after Marin Cilic to withdraw from Wimbledon due to Covid-19
Matteo Berrettini has confirmed on social media that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and as a result, he is withdrawing from Wimbledon 2022. The popular Italian, in fine form after winning the Queen’s Championship last week, joined former runner-up Marin Cilic in pulling out, further depleting the field in the absence of Russians and Belarussians.
In his official statement on Instagram, a dejected Berrettini wrote – “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. Thank you for the support.”
Berrettini had only made his comeback from injury at the Stuttgart Open and went on to win the grasscourt title, beating Andy Murray in the final. And the Italian tennis ace followed that up with a terrific run at Queen’s to defend his title from 2021.
It’s certainly not good news for tennis fans as the Wimbledon field becomes more depleted with Matteo Berrettini’s exit. Fans are disappointed but conveyed their good wishes for the Italian on Twitter.
“Such a pity. Was really looking forward to watching his matches. Positive vibes for a speedy return to good health”, wrote a fan, wishing for his speedy recovery.
“Cilic and Matteo withdraw. Now Only Tsitsipas, Kyrgios, F Aliassime are only obstacles in Rafael’s path to finale”. “, tweeted another fan referring to Wimbledon’s depleted field.
Another disappointed fan tweeted – “Berettini was one of the favs, in my book, to win. Catching covid anytime is bad, but this is an unfortunate, and possibly the worst, timing for a pro tennis player who enjoys grass court swing.”
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