Nadal thinks he dodged a COVID bullet at Wimbledon

Rafael Nadal remains on guard for his health after 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini received a positive COVID test and withdrew from the Grand Slam.

Nadal trained with the Italian in the run-up period at the All England Club, but said that he does not feel particularly at risk after his outdoor hit-ups.

“I don’t think I can be considered a close contact of Matteo when we were training outdoors, but anything can happen,” the second seed said.

“At the moment I feel good; the main thing is that I am very sorry for the situation for him.

“I just hope he recovers as soon as possible, I know how sad he will be.”

Berrettini was added to a COVID-positive list which also included 2017 finalist Marin Cilic. Word from around the grounds is that players are now wary of catching a case of the virus and are starting to avoid unnecessary human contact – including eating in groups – while on site.

Spanish media report that tournament bosses are intensely scouring the Wimbledon health rulebook to try and fix a clause which does not actually require a withdrawal after a positive COVID test.

Nadal is not so sure; “What I know is that it’s up to you if you want to take a test – if it’s positive, you’re out.

“We can discuss the rules as many times as we want, but those are the ones and We must follow them, because if not, the world would be a disaster.”