Dominic Thiem and Matteo Berrettini have both been ruled out of the Monte-Carlos Masters in a double blow to organisers.
The clay-court tournament, which traditionally forms an integral part of the build-up to the French Open, had already been dealt a blow by the withdrawal of Rafael Nadal. The 11-time champion is currently recovering from a stress fracture to his rib cage.
Nadal learnt of the injury after losing in the final of the Indian Wells Masters, although his absence was tempered by the return of Novak Djokovic. The Serbian will play just his second tournament of the year in Monte-Carlo.
That's been because of his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid, a notion which cost him his place in the Australian Open. But a recent training video uploaded to social media suggested the world No 1 was in good shape for a tournament he's won just once in 2015.
But now 2020 US Open champion Thiem, 28, has pulled out of the ATP Masters event due to Covid. Reuters reported that the Austrian contracted the virus at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Marbella, Spain last week.
Thiem himself took to Twitter on Thursday to confirm the news, but did also reveal he had tested negative since his withdrawal: "Hey guys! I hope you’re all well!" he posted.
"A short update: I am finally negative and I feel much better! Thank you for all your messages! I really appreciate it!
"I'm going to have a medical check-up, so I can get back on track." Thiem has endured a frustrating time since injuring his wrist nine months ago, and this year has already pulled out of the Australian Open, Cordoba Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open.
And 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Berrettini, 25, has followed suit, having also missed Miami after undergoing a minor operation on his playing hand. He's now revealed he has not recovered in time to play in Monte-Carlo.
He will also miss events in events in Madrid and Rome next month: "Following advice from the medical experts, my team and I have decided that it is crucial I do not put time pressure on my recovery process," the Italian said on Instagram.
"Withdrawing from these events, particularly Rome, was an extremely tough decision, however it is the right one to ensure many more years of competing at the highest level for the biggest trophies."
It is Stefanos Tsitsipas who will go in as defending champion, after he beat Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-3 in the 2021 final. The tournament didn't take place in 2020 because of the pandemic.
