Mario Berrettini, last year's Wimbledon runner-up who won back-to-back titles earlier this month, has withdrawn from this year's competition. The news broke just hours before he was scheduled to play on Tuesday after his virus test came back positive.
Berrettini out of Wimbledon after testing positive for virus
Mario Berrettini withdrew hours before he was scheduled to play his first-round match on Tuesday in the grass-court Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon, stating his virus test.
Berrettini, 26, was ranked 11 going into the 2022 Wimbledon competition, and was the runner-up in 2021, ESPN reported.
"I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a positive COVID 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," Berrettini continued.
"I have no words to describe the extreme disappointment I feel," Berrettini added. "The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger. Thank you for the support."
Was heavily favored after winning back-to-back titles
Despite not playing in three months following hand surgery in late March, Berrettini made a strong comeback, looking unstoppable since returning to the tour only three weeks ago, ATP Tour reported.
Berrettini returned this month, competing in the tour's grass court season at the Stuttgart Open June 6-12, winning the title. He then won a second title at the Queen's Club Championships from June 13-19 in London.
Concerns over illness at Wimbledon
Berrettini became the second high-profile player to withdraw from competition within the first two days due to testing positive for COVID.
Marin Cilic, a 2014 US open champion and 2017 Wimbledon finalist, also bowed out of competition due to illness.
ESPN reached out to an All England Club spokesperson inquiring what the level of concern is about the virus spreading among competitors at the event. ESPN reported that the club did not respond to that specific question, only stating in an email that organizers at Wimbledon are working with the British public health agency and local authorities.
"We have maintained enhanced cleaning and hand sanitizing operations, and offer full medical support for anyone feeling unwell," a statement by spokesperson for All England Club said. "We are following U.K. guidance around assessment and isolation of any potential infectious disease. Our player medical team also continue to wear face masks for any consultation.''