Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon campaign is at risk after practicing with Marin Cilic before the tournament began.
Now, on any other day, it's not uncommon for top players and competitors to practice together. However, there is significant interest in the news that Cilic tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to pull out from his scheduled first-round match against Mackenzie McDonald.
The Croat was heartbroken upon learning that he won't be competing because of coronavirus as he had been in good form of late, most notably at Roland Garros earlier this month when he made the semifinal.
There are rumors emanating from London that Djokovic will be subjected to a COVID-19 test, and if it is positive, he will have no option but to surrender his title. However, nothing is concrete and official for now except the fact that Cilic shared the news that he is COVID-positive.
When we consider that the infection usually takes a few days before symptoms become noticeable, there could be a strong argument that Cilic might have had the virus on Thursday when he practiced with Djokovic.
In fact, the two players had the privilege of practicing on the Centre Court, as Wimbledon abandoned its tradition of opening only the main court at the start of the main draw action.
Although tennis is not a contact sport, it's possible that Djokovic and Cilic might have shaken hands after their practice session or even chitchatted with their respective teams.
It's not the first time such a situation has happened. Rafael Nadal practiced with World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev at last year's Monte-Carlo Masters, but he did not contract the virus.
It will be interesting to follow this story as it develops and whether Djokovic is as lucky as Nadal, but considering that Cilic and Djokovic are best of friends, they might have come closer during their practice.