Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard was pictured with the Italian after hitting with him last week in the lead-up to the tournament. The withdrawal of Berrettini, who reached the final at Wimbledon last year, was confirmed on Tuesday morning. In a statement, the Italian said: "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 disappointment I feel.
The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger. Thank you for the support. " Berrettini is the second player to withdraw with Covid after Marin Cilic pulled out at the eleventh hour on Monday following a positive test.
JUST IN: Nick Kyrgios accuses Wimbledon crowd of 'racial slurs' as tempers flare in Paul Jubb gameAnd now there are some concerns more players could start to withdraw amid fears of a Covid outbreak. Berrettini's positive test has sparked worries for Nadal in particular, given the pair made history last week by becoming the first players to practice on Centre Court before Wimbledon. Nadal was also seen pictured posing with Berrettini for pictures after the session.
In an Instagram post, the Italian captioned the pictures: "First ever pre-tournament player practice on Centre Court at @wimbledon. @rafaelnadal always a pleasure. "AELTC said in a statement following Berrettini's withdrawal: "As a major event we have and continue to work in conjunction with the UK Public Health Security Agency and our
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Rafael Nadal