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In a significant development, Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the French Open 2022, citing hand injury. World Number eight has missed the Masters 1000 events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome following surgery in March. Berrettini announced his decision via social media and claimed that he would delay his comeback to compete in the full grass season.
Berrettini decided to undergo hand surgery after a surprise defeat to Miomir Kecmanovic in the Indian Wells Masters round of 16. "Following a very positive update from my medical team, I am now back on-court training at a high level," Berrettini wrote on Instagram. However, the 26-year-old revealed that he has decided not to push himself to play best of five matches on clay without any match practice under the guidance of his medical team.
He further informed that his hand is feeling great, and he is working hard to build up his match fitness. "My team and I have decided that going straight back into 5 set matches on clay at Roland Garros would not be sensible; therefore, I will delay my comeback to compete in the full grass season," wrote Berrettini.
Berrettini, who reached the Australian Open semifinals in January, made in to the quarter-finals in Paris last year before losing to world number one Novak Djokovic. The Grand Slam event in the French capital will be held from May 22-June 5. Berrettini enjoyed an outstanding grass season. After winning it all at the Queen's Club, Berrettini made his maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. Berrettini was up by a set before Djokovic stormed back to win in four sets at the Wimbledon final.
Notably, Berrettini has been replaced in the main draw by Jaume Munar, who will be making his fifth consecutive Roland Garros main draw appearance. The World No. 8 has played only 15 matches this year, winning nine and losing six. The 26-year-old is yet to win a title in 2022 and has reached only one semifinal to date at the Australian Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal.