Italy’s Matteo Berrettini has opened up about his turbulent battle with injury this year after suffering his latest blow at the Naples Open last week.
The world No.14 lost 7-6(5), 6-2, to Lorenzo Musetti in the final on Sunday amid concerns over a possible new foot injury which he will undergo tests on today. After losing a tightly contested opening set, Berrettini rapidly faded away in the second as he struggled with the injury that he picked up earlier in the tournament. An unfortunate outcome for the 26-year-old who was playing an ATP final on home soil for the first time in his career.
It is not the first time Berrettini has been hit by physical issues this year. Back in March, he underwent hand surgery which sidelined him from the entire clay court swing. He then staged a triumphant comeback by winning back-to-back titles on the grass before withdrawing from Wimbledon after testing positive for COVID-19.
“There have been moments of despair during this season, moments in which I wondered if I am truly made to be in the sport,” Berrettini said following his loss to Musetti.
“But then I finally told myself that I have to go on. One of the reasons I kept playing (in the final), and I didn’t give up yesterday (Saturday in the semifinals), is because I just don’t want to give up on these things.”
Berrettini has been ranked as high as sixth in the world which is the second-highest in ATP history for an Italian player. He is also the first man from his country to reach at least the quarter-final stage at all four Grand Slam events and the first to contest a final at Wimbledon. Overall, he has won seven Tour titles and was runner-up at another five events since 2018.
“I feel very lucky to be able to do what I do and with the career I’m having. There is absolutely no reason to stop and feel sad, you have to look ahead.” He continued.
“I will see if I’m able to play in Vienna, otherwise I will look if there’s the chance to be there for Paris, let’s leave it like that.”
Should he play, Berrettini will be the eighth seed in Vienna this week and faces a potential rough opening match against Dan Evans. Although he has beaten the Brit twice before in straight sets on the grass.
UPDATE: Since this article was published Berrettini has withdrawn from Vienna due to his foot injury.
