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Wimbledon 2022: After Cilic, now Berrettini pulls out due to Covid-19; organisers review protocols

Eighth seed Matteo Berrettini pulled out of the Wimbledon 2022 on Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19.

tennis Wimbledon 2022: After Cilic, now Berrettini pulls out due to Covid-19; organisers review protocols snt
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London, First Published Jun 28, 2022, 8:40 PM IST

A day after Marin Cilic pulled out of Wimbledon 2022 due to Covid-19, eight seed Matteo Berrettini, runner-up at last year's tournament, pulled out of the Championships on Tuesday after testing positive for the novel coronavirus.

"I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from @wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result," the 26-year-old Italian said on his social media account hours before his first-round match against Chile's Cristian Garin.

"I have had flu symptoms and have 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," Berrettini added.

Also read: Wimbledon 2022: Fans point out Cilic's last practice with Djokovic after he pulls out due to Covid-19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Matteo Berrettini (@matberrettini)

The Italian was seen as a leading contender to win this year's tournament after claiming back-to-back titles in tuneup events on the grass at Stuttgart and Queen's Club.

"I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel," the Italian added. "The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger."

While Cilic trained with the men's defending champion, Novak Djokovic, in the days before the tournament, Berrettini trained with second seed Rafael Nadal.

Sweden's Elias Ymer replaced Berrettini in the men's draw, organisers said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Matteo Berrettini (@matberrettini)

Meanwhile, organisers added that Covid-19 protocols are under review, even as fears over an outbreak among the player group looms at large. After the recent outbreak the All England Club will review their current measures on Tuesday. 

"As a major event we have and continue to work in conjunction with the UK Public Health Security Agency and our Local Authority," said a spokesperson for the All England Club earlier on Tuesday.

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

Also read: How yoga, meditation and veganism transformed Novak Djokovic's career

While last year's Wimbledon was conducted under significant Covid protocols, this year's event returned to normal conditions. There are no preventative protocols for players in this year's tournament, with the All England Club following UK government guidance.

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