Return to the French Open too early for Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini will not start at the French Open. A return to Paris is too early for the Italian after his injury, as he announced on social media.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: May 15, 2022, 07:57 am
At the French Open last year, something began for Matteo Berrettini that is quite rare on the ATP tour. The Roman had to deal with the high-flyer Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals - and had to give up the match after a strong fight in four sets. So far, so ordinary. However, the duel with the Serbs at the Bois de Bolougne should herald a quite remarkable series for the Italian.
In Wimbledon (final) and at the US Open (quarter-finals), Berrettini had a rematch with the Serbian world number one. The result: the same in each case, the 26-year-old lost out in four sets in London and New York City. One thing is certain for 2022: There will be no duel between Matteo Berrettini at this year's edition of the French Open.
Berrettini sees start at French Open as "not sensible"
The reason: a bitter one. Since an operation on his right hand in March, Berrettini has had to cancel all tournaments, so a return to the second Grand Slam tournament of the year would be too early for the Roman, especially due to the best-of-five format. "My hand feels great and I'm working hard to improve my match fitness," the Italian shared on social media. Nevertheless, together with his team, he decided that a return to the French Open would "not make sense" given the circumstances.
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Berrettini now wants to celebrate his return during the grass season, which will start right after the Major at the Bois de Bolougne. At its peak, in Wimbledon, Berrettini had reached his first and only Grand Slam final last year - and accordingly had to defend many points.