Berrettini bummer: Out of Paris injured

Matteo Berretini’s injury hard luck continues to sink the Italian’s morale, with the former Wimbledon finalist forced on Thursday to withdraw from the French Open.

The No. 28 who once reached sixth in the world has retired with injury at his last two events – the back-to-back clay showpieces in Madrid and at home in Rome last week.

Berrettini has not competed at Roland Garros since 2021 (quarter-final), missing the previous three editions mainly due to physical problems.

His latest mishap occurred in the Foro Italico third round when he quit the match to hand Casper Ruud a 7-5, 2-0 win.

An old abdominal injury seems to have made a return, with Berrettini suffering with the problems in previous seasons.

He confessed in Rome that he almost did not front up for his match against Ruud so bad was his pain.

“It’s close to a point where I have hurt before, I don’t know what is wrong with my obliques. 

“The feelings, unfortunately I know them well because I’ve been there over and over again.”