Tennis fans shattered over Marin Cilic and Matteo Berrettini news
Former Wimbledon finalists Marin Cilic and Matteo Berrettini have both been forced to withdraw from Wimbledon after testing positive for Covid-19.
Berrettini, who won back-to-back titles in Stuttgart and at Queen's Club in the lead-up to Wimbledon, announced the shattering news in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
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"I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a positive Covid-19 test result," the World No.11 posted.
"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."
The Italian was a perfect 9-0 on grass this year and was shaping as a contender for the title at Wimbledon having finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic 12 months ago.
The devastating news followed that of Cilic earlier on Monday, with the former US Open champion also announcing his withdrawal.
The Croatian was on the same side of the draw as Rafael Nadal and projected to play the 22-time grand slam champion in the quarter-finals.
Cilic reached the Wimbledon final in 2017, where he lost in straight sets to eight-time champion Roger Federer.
The Croatian said he self-isolated after coming down with an illness and remained indoors to avoid coming into close proximity with anyone while feeling sick.
However, the 14th seed ultimately had to withdraw from the grand slam after a Covid-19 test came back positive.
“Hey guys, I am sad to share that I tested positive for COVID," Cilic said, adding that he was "heartbroken" to see his season on grass end.
"I have been self-isolating and was hopeful I would be ready but unfortunately I am still feeling unwell and unable to compete at my best."
Cilic's spot in the men's draw has been taken by lucky loser Nuno Borges.
Just last week, Cilic was seen practising on centre court with Djokovic in a huge break from Wimbledon tradition.
In a 145-year first for the grass-court grand slam, players have been allowed to practice on centre court at Wimbledon before the tournament got underway.
In a staggering twist, Berrettini was also seen shaking hands with Djokovic as the pair crossed paths before and after their respective practice sessions.
Cannot imagine the disappointment for Matteo Berrettini having had to withdraw from #Wimbledon due to a positive Covid test. Marin Cilic, too.
Berrettini had a sparkling lead up on the grass, winning two back-to-back titles.— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) June 28, 2022
Just brutal for Cilic and Berrettini…
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) June 28, 2022
So disappointed for @wimbledon 2nd favorite and '21 finalist Matteo Berrettini -officially out after positive COVID-19 tests. He arrived in great form and said he "he has no words" for his emotions. With Cilic also out for the same reason, this further opens the #Nadal draw
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) June 28, 2022
2022 runner up Matteo Berrettini, 9-0 on grass in 2022, withdraws from Wimbledon with Covid. Joining Cilic, who withdrew for the same reason.
Two top 8 favorites for the title in my opinion. pic.twitter.com/3ppw33Rfk0— José Morgado (@josemorgado) June 28, 2022
First Marin Cilic and now Matteo Berrettini have withdrawn from Wimbledon after testing positive for the coronavirus
Two former finalists out before play begins. Wimbledon has a problem, which could get bigger pic.twitter.com/K9sxrV2SyU— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) June 28, 2022
Gutted for Cilic & Berrettini!!
Cilic finding his best tennis making semis in Paris & he had a great chance to go deep at Wimbledon as grass is his favourite surface likewise Berrettini & Matteo was coming off back to back titles on grass!!
Can't imagine their disappointment!!— Reggie🐺🐊 (@Reggie61823972) June 28, 2022
Nadal's draw just got obliterated!!
Cilic who was in great form due to meet in Rnd4 out with Covid!!
FAA in the Quarters has a coach that could tell him how to win but won't!!
Berrettini due in the semis & the most in form player on grass out with Covid!!#Wimbledon2022— Reggie🐺🐊 (@Reggie61823972) June 28, 2022
Matteo Berrettini - one of the three main contenders for the men’s title - is out of Wimbledon with Covid. He says he is “heartbroken” - the same word used by Marin Cilic, when he announced his withdrawal for the same reason yesterday
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) June 28, 2022
Novak Djokovic through to second round
Djokovic earlier kicked off his Wimbledon campaign by becoming the first player to win 80 matches at all four grand slams, while teenage star Carlos Alcaraz battled over five sets to make the second round.
Six-time champion and top seed Djokovic saw off South Korea's Kwon Soo-woo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic, 35, is attempting to win a fourth successive Wimbledon title and join a select group.
In the Open era, only Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have managed such a streak at the All England Club.
Alcaraz, a potential quarter-final opponent for Djokovic, came back from two sets to one down to defeat Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff.
The 19-year-old fired 30 aces and 73 winners in a dazzling display of shot-making to win 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4.
Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina knocked out 2021 semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz courtesy of the tournament's first final-set 10-point tiebreak.
World number 37 Davidovich Fokina triumphed over the seventh-seeded Pole 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (10/8) in a match interrupted twice by rain.
Around two hours of play was lost on Monday due to rain, with 10 matches cancelled.
with agencies
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