Paris, May 22, 2025 – Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini has announced his withdrawal from the 2025 Roland Garros, marking his fourth consecutive year missing the French Open. The 29-year-old Roman, currently ranked World No. 28, cited an ongoing abdominal muscle injury as the primary reason for his decision, which was shared via an emotional Instagram post just hours before the tournament’s draw ceremony. This latest setback follows a tearful retirement during his third-round match against Casper Ruud at the 2025 Rome Masters, raising concerns about his readiness for the grueling clay-court Grand Slam.
source image: motorcyclesports.net
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Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist and 2021 Roland Garros quarterfinalist, explained that despite intensive training, he is not yet prepared to compete in best-of-five-set matches. “Unfortunately, it was predictable after the tears in Rome,” wrote tennis journalist Matteo Zorzoli on X, referencing Berrettini’s emotional press conference following his withdrawal from the Italian Open. “I woke up today feeling a slight complication,” Berrettini had said in Rome, noting he tried to compete but felt a new cramp late in the first set, prompting him to retire to avoid further damage.
The abdominal injury, which first flared up during the Madrid Open against Christopher O’Connell and forced a walkover against Jack Draper, has plagued Berrettini’s 2025 season. The issue echoes previous setbacks, including a similar abdominal strain in Monte Carlo in 2023 and a right ankle injury that sidelined him for much of 2024. Despite a promising start to 2024, with a title in Marrakech and a final in the Phoenix Challenger, Berrettini has played only 12 matches this year, including a first-round loss to Miomir Kecmanovic in Monte Carlo.
“I’m training hard, but my team and I feel I’m not ready for multiple five-set matches,” Berrettini stated on Instagram. “I’ve decided to return for the grass season. Thank you for your continued support—I just need a little more patience.” The decision prioritizes recovery for the grass-court season, where Berrettini has historically excelled, including titles at Stuttgart (2019, 2022) and Queen’s (2021, 2022), as well as a Wimbledon final in 2021.
Berrettini’s absence from Roland Garros, where he last competed in 2021, losing to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, adds to a challenging period for the Italian. Fans expressed disappointment but support on X, with @TheTennisLetter posting, “Very sad news. Hopefully we see him back at this event next year healthy.” @WeAreTennisITA added, “A news no one wanted to read,” reflecting the sentiment of Italian tennis fans.
The withdrawal opens a spot for a lucky loser in the Roland Garros main draw, with American Alex Michelsen stepping in as a seeded player. As Berrettini shifts focus to grass courts, likely targeting Stuttgart’s Boss Open in June, fans and analysts hope this strategic pause will allow “The Hammer” to return to his powerful best.
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