Full Breakdown
Matteo Berrettini’s French Open Retirement Highlights Ongoing Injury Struggles
6/6/2026, 12:35:41 AM
Background & Injury History
Italian former world No. 6 Matteo Berrettini has faced repeated physical setbacks since 2019. He reported right-hip pain at the end of 2019 and early 2020, then endured a series of withdrawals: the 2021 Nitto ATP Finals, the 2022 Italian Open, the 2023 US Open, and multiple matches on tour. By mid-2024 he had retired from eight matches since 2021, a pattern that has limited his ability to build on career peaks that include a Wimbledon final (2021) and a US Open semi-final (2022).
Timeline of Recent Setbacks
- Late 2019–Early 2020: Initial right-hip discomfort.
- 2021: Withdrawal from Nitto ATP Finals.
- 2022: Italian Open withdrawal; Wimbledon final appearance.
- 2023: US Open withdrawal due to illness and muscle injury.
- June 3 2024: French Open quarter-final vs. Matteo Arnaldi; retirement after ~2 hours.
Match Against Matteo Arnaldi: On-the-Ground Report
Berrettini entered the Roland Garros quarter-final with a double-break lead in the first set. After a 77-minute opening set, he began showing visible discomfort while serving. He took an off-court medical timeout at 1-2 in the second set, returned with restricted movement, and ultimately retired at 5-7, 2-5. The crowd observed his limited mobility and the worsening pain as he continued to serve and hit forehands.
Data & Statistics
- Retirements: Eight matches retired from since 2021.
- Ranking: World No. 48 (ATP Live Rankings).
- Grand Slam Record: Quarter-finals at all four majors; only Grand Slam final reached at Wimbledon 2021.
- Recent Wins: Defeated World No. 8 Daniil Medvedev 6-0, 6-0 at the Monte Carlo Masters (2022).
Official Statements & Responses
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick expressed heartbreak, noting that Berrettini’s injuries “are just hard to watch” and emphasizing the player’s past achievements, including a Wimbledon final and a US Open semi-final. Roddick also described the retirement as “soul-destroying.”
Berrettini himself explained that the pain began mid-first set while serving, intensified with each stroke, and was confined to his hip, though he could not specify the exact condition. He said he “doesn’t want to retire” but felt compelled to stop, and he will undergo tests before the upcoming grass-court swing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Berrettini retiring because of an injury was just hard to watch because there are players that get hurt that maybe don’t have the upside of making a slam final,” — Andy Roddick, former world No. 1.
- “I’m sure, it is just soul destroying for Baritini, who I really like.” — Andy Roddick.
- “I’m the last one that wants to retire. I’m tired of retiring. I just don’t want to do it, but sometimes you have to do it,” — Matteo Berrettini, former world No. 6.
- “I don’t know exactly what it is, hopefully the tests go well and tell me what I have.” — Matteo Berrettini.
- “And of course, I’m disappointed, I’m sad, but I’m also proud of the way I fought through this tournament.” — Matteo Berrettini.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise duration of the match (approximately two hours vs. 1 hour 40 minutes) and on the exact medical diagnosis; Berrettini confirms a hip issue but no specific condition is identified.
Why It Matters
Berrettini’s retirement underscores the fragility of elite performance amid recurring injuries. Frequent withdrawals jeopardize his ranking, affect his preparation for the grass-court season, and limit Italy’s representation in later stages of major tournaments.
What’s Next
Berrettini will undergo diagnostic tests on his hip before the upcoming grass-court swing, aiming to compete at Wimbledon. His ability to recover will influence his year-end ranking and Italy’s prospects at future Grand Slams.
