Last year’s beaten finalist Matteo Berrettini of Italy will miss this year’s Wimbledon Championships after contracting COVID-19, the Roman tennis player said on his Instagram profile Tuesday. “I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from @wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result,” said the 26-year-old world number 11.
Last year Berrettini lost to Serb legend Novak Djokovic in the final, after becoming the first Italian to get that far. Berrettini, seeded eighth after recently returning from a hand injury operation to win two grass tournaments in Stuttgart and Queens, was among the favorites for the title this year. He had been due to start his campaign against Chilean world 44 Cristian Garín this afternoon, and was favored to meet Spanish great Rafa Nadal, all-time grand slam leader with 22 slams, in the semis.
Berrettini had promised Djokovic a “much more difficult test” if he got to the final again than last year’s four-set defeat, which the Italian sometimes dominated. “I have had flu symptoms and been isolating the last few days,” said the strapping 6 foot 5 inch player. “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 (sic) I feel. “The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger. “Thank you for the support.”
The Italian government undersecretary with the sports portfolio, fencing great Valentina Vezzali, said, “I’m sorry that our Matteo won’t be able to defend last year’s result at Wimbledon, which in my view, he could have improved on [by winning the tournament]. “Let’s hope he gets better as soon as possible, but Italy is nonetheless well represented.
Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner beat veteran wild card and three-time major champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland to claim his maiden victory on grass Monday. Other Italians challenging in the world’s most glamorous tennis event include 27-year-old 27th seed Lorenzo Sonego, who is to face a tough challenge in America’s Denis Kudla in the first round Tuesday. Veteran Fabio Fognini fell in the first round Monday to 25-year-old big-serving Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. Vezzali added: “Sport is this, too, Matteo will go on, he’ll be able to show his value and make up for (this setback). He is a point of reference for young people in our country”.
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