Picture Credit: Twitter
The World no. 22 Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the Madrid Open because of an injury. The Italian suffered a Grade 2 tear in his internal oblique muscle last week, leading to this decision to pull out of the ATP tournament. He suffered the injury during his match against Francisco Cerundolo at the Monte-Carlo Masters, ruling him out of the tournament.
Berrettini announced his withdrawal on social media on April 21 (Friday) in an Instagram story where he wrote, “The intense rehab program has begun with my medical team in Barcelona. I will do everything I can to be back competing as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete in Madrid. I will keep you all updated when I have more news. Grazie for all the support."
It is to be noted that he reached the final at the Madrid Open two years ago when he lost to Alexander Zverev in three straight sets. Talking about his 2023 season, the Wimbledon finalist has had a rather poor start to the season as he has won seven and lost six matches so far. The 27-year-old was out in the first round of the Miami Open and the Indian Wells to American Mackenzie Mcdonald and Taro Daniels respectively.
The Italian now joins the long list of players, which also includes Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios. While the former World no. 1 pulled out after failing to regain fitness after sustaining an injury in January during the Australian Open 2023, Nick Kyrgios has been out since his appearance in an exhibition match ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Matteo reached the US Open quarter-final last season and ended his season in October 2022. He also lost the first round of the Australian Open to Andy Murray, earlier this year.
