Wimbledon is now in full swing but one of the top players in the tournament is being forced to withdraw. Matteo Berrettini has tested positive for COVID-19 and won't be available to play, which is a major boost to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's pursuit of another Major:

“I am heartbroken to announce that I need to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a positive COVID-19 test result,” wrote the 26-year-old via Instagram.

“I have had flu symptoms and 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.

“I have no words to describe the extreme disappointed I feel. The dream is over for this year, but I will be back stronger. Thank you for the support”

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This is a huge gut punch for the Italian, who made the final in the 2021 edition of Wimbledon. He was seen as a legitimate contender to win it all this time around as well. Berrettini missed three months recently due to a hand injury, but he returned with a vengeance this month, winning the BOSS Open in Stuttgart, Germany, and then also capturing his second straight title at The Queen's Club in London. Needless to say, he was coming into Wimbledon in fine form.

Swedish player Elias Ymer will replace him in the draw. With no Russian players in this Major either, most notably Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, Djokovic and Nadal both have a clear-cut opportunity to chase a title.