Two Covid-related withdrawals have raised questions about Wimbledon’s Covid protocols. In a double whammy for the organizers, 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini followed French Open semi-finalist Marin Cilic in pulling out of the Championships. Both Cilic and Berrettini were among the heavy-hitters in the men’s draw, but their departures further weaken a field shorn of some top names due to the ban imposed on Russian and Belarussian players. With restrictions looser than it has been since the virus outbreak in 2019, the twin exits have sparked fears of a Covid flare-up at SW19.

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The exits have compelled the tournament organizers to review their Covid-related measures for the ongoing Wimbledon. Speaking to the media, a spokesperson for the All England Club outlined the steps taken to prevent a Covid outbreak during the tournament:

“As a major event, we have and continue to work in conjunction with the UK Public Health Security Agency and our Local Authority. We have maintained enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising operations, and offer full medical support for anyone feeling unwell. We are following UK guidance around assessment and isolation of any potential infectious disease. Our player medical team also continue to wear face masks for any consultation,” quotes the Guardian.

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After the heavy restrictions of 2021, Wimbledon has returned to near normalcy as far as tournament protocols go. But it remains to be seen if losing out on two big names forces a rethink midway through the first week. For Berrettini and Cilic, however, the virus has spelt doom for their Wimbledon aspirations. The Italian, in particular, was best positioned to challenge the favourites- Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic- for a shot at the prestigious trophy. Returning from a three-month absence after undergoing finger surgery, Matteo lit up the grass courts of Stuttgart and Queen’s, winning both tournaments. 2017 finalist Cilic has been in decent nick as well; following a maiden semi-final appearance in the French Open with a semis showing at Queen’s.