Wimbledon had its first Covid-19 scare on Monday night when former finalist Marin Cilic, who trained with defending champion Novak Djokovic last week, was forced out of the tournament.
The Croatian former US Open champion was drawn to possibly play Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals and was photographed with Djokovic at the Center Court last Thursday.
Wimbledon was completely canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and only returned last year subject to strict protocols. In common with most sporting events, these protocols have been significantly relaxed this year despite an increase in the number of Covid infections in England over the past month.
Cilic reached the Wimbledon final in 2017 and lost in straight sets to Roger Federer, confirming on Instagram that he suffers from Covid-19. An earlier statement by the All England club had put the 33-year-old’s withdrawal at risk of “illness”.
“Hey guys, I’m sad to share that I tested positive for COVID,” Cilic said, adding that he was ‘heartbroken’ to see his season end on grass due to illness.
“I was self-isolating and was hoping I would be ready, but unfortunately I still feel unwell and I can’t compete at my best.”
Cilic, who was selected 14th, was considered a strong outside bet after reaching the semi-finals at the French Open and also reaching the last four of the ATP 500 tournament on grass at Queen’s this month.
Cilic will be replaced in the draw by Nuno Borges. His withdrawal is a big boost for Nadal, who has won the first two Grand Slam tournaments of the season to move away from both Djokovic and Federer on the all-time list.
Djokovic had to miss the entire Australian Open earlier this year when he was dramatically quarantined after Covid-19 protests over his medical release to compete.