Fears of a Covid-19 breakout at Wimbledon only intensified yesterday with Roberto Bautista Agut’s withdrawal. After Matteo Berrettini and Marin Cilic pulled out of the slam due to the virus earlier this week, the 17th-seeded Spaniard was the third to do so. Scheduled to play against Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan, the 34-year-old had to concede the tie. Announcing his decision on Twitter, the veteran remained upbeat:

“I have tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, the symptoms are not very serious, but I think it is the best decision. Thanks for your support. I hope to come back soon.”

Also Read: Wimbledon 2022: Organizers to review Covid protocols after Cilic and Berrettini withdraw

Defeating World no. 1 Daniil Medvedev in the lead-up to Wimbledon at Majorca, Bautista Agut looked in good nick on grass. While not a specialist on the surface, his only semi-final appearance in a Grand Slam came at the All England Club’s lawns in 2019.

But given the spate of withdrawals, organizers have been forced into rethinking their Covid protocols. Irrespective of the measures taken, Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal has taken matters into his hands to keep away from the bug. Speaking after his second-round win against Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis, Nadal took stock of the covid scenario:

“This is reality. I am staying at home I am not going out any more. At some point you have to open up but then there are more cases, this is part of the challenging world we are in,” quotes the Guardian.

The Mallorcan had to extend every muscle to come through a gruelling four-setter against Berankis. Unconvincing for much of the first three sets, the 36-year-old still had enough quality to remain a step ahead of his opponent. After narrowly conceding the first two sets 4-6, 4-6, the Lithuanian was a different beast in the third. Marrying sublime shotmaking to ruthless efficiency, he gave his more illustrious opponent a proper runaround to stretch the tie to a fourth.

Nadal, unimpressed by his sharp dip, quickly found his groove. Whipping the ball with ferocious intensity, he broke without sweat to reassert his dominance. Barring a few moments of Berankis wizardry, the Spaniard was untouchable throughout the fourth set, winning it 6-3 to seal the match.

Also Read: 306 (and more) ways to win: Rafael Nadal now 4th on all-time Grand Slam wins list

As Italian Lorenzo Sonego awaits Nadal in the third round, expect the great master to remain in the shadows till tomorrow’s Centre Court skirmish.