London, Jun 28 (IANS): Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday pulled out of Wimbledon 2022 after testing positive for Covid-19.
Eighth seed Berrettini, the runner-up at last ye'r's Wimbledon, became the second player to withdraw from this year's grasscourt Grand Slam due to the coronavirus after Croatia's Marin Cilic on Monday.
"I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from @wimbledon due to a positive Covid-19 test result," Berrettini wrote on Instagram, 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," he added.
The 26-year-old Italian, who had recently won back-to-back titles on grass at Stuttgart and Queen's Club, was seen as a leading contender to win this year's 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," Berrettini further said.
He has now been replaced in the men's draw by lucky loser Elias Ymer of Sweden.