Berrettini's Disappointment After Withdrawal in Rome: "If I Don't Quit, I'll Be Out for Three Months"
Facing Casper Ruud in the third round of the Rome Masters 1000, Matteo Berrettini was forced to withdraw after suffering another abdominal injury.
This same injury had already sidelined him two weeks ago in Madrid and resurfaced in Rome. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist addressed the press, explaining that the pain had become too severe:
"I think yesterday when I woke up, I felt things were a bit complicated. But the love I have for this city, for this tournament, for my brother, and for this sport convinced me to try until the end. Ten minutes before the match, I thought I wouldn’t make it. But I tried.
I was surprised by my body’s reaction up to a certain point. I felt a sharp pain toward the end of the first set, and from there, I couldn’t stay in the match.
Unfortunately, I had to withdraw again, even though Rome was one of my goals. I didn’t want to quit! But if I don’t, I know what happens: I’ll be out for three months, screaming in pain with every sneeze. I didn’t want that to happen again. I think—and hope—I stopped in time."
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