My injury dramas have left me in a bad place

2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini has admitted that he entertained thoughts of ending his tennis career during an injury crisis over the last several seasons.

The Italian told Rome’s Corriere dello Sport of his desperation as he begins play at the Toronto Masters.

The former ATP No. 6, his first match since losing in the Wimbledon fourth round to eventual champion and Toronto top seed Carlos Alcaraz.

“Have I ever thought about quitting? Many times, believe me,” he said..

“In 2020 I had a difficult year and I had the idea to take my passport, not say anything to anyone and run away where no one could find me.

“It came to me in the dark days. Later, I realised that I’m only happy if I go out on the court and breathe the (competitive) atmosphere.”

The Roman who currently ranks 40th said that his run of injuries which included a hand made him realise his love of his sport.

“I hate to lose, but I’ve always used defeat to improve. Even in defeat, never give up. I have worked very hard.

“Giving up fighting, negative inertia, is the only defeat I can’t stand, I don’t forgive myself. I never want to give up.”

He added: “Not being able to compete in major tournaments has made me know the darkness.

“And the darkness seems to have no end, it seems to engulf you because instead of staying and resting, you sink into an abyss.

 “They were bad moments, that I didn’t like, but they were fundamental in making me rediscover the reasons for the joy of doing what I started as a child and that has occupied my whole life.

‘I looked back at my origins to rediscover myself. The darkness gave me space to do it.”