Matteo Berrettini is usually known for his booming serve, forehand power, and ability to seize big moments on the grass and hard courts. But 2025 has been anything but smooth for the Italian. Between nagging injuries, forced withdrawals, and questions about whether he can rediscover his best form, Berrettini is fighting more than opponents now — he’s fighting time and self-doubt. And his latest moves have left the tennis world both sympathetic and stunned.
🩹 Injury Overload and Sudden Withdrawals
It all began with Berrettini pulling out of the French Open this year, citing a right oblique injury. He admitted he “ran out of time” to be fully ready for Roland Garros, a grand slam he has missed too often in recent seasons. That injury wasn’t isolated; in Rome, he had to retire in his match against Casper Ruud after showing signs of discomfort. Fast forward a few months, and he’s also withdrawn from prominent tournaments like the US Open and Kitzbühel
Each withdrawal has been painful. Every tournament missed is a chance lost to build momentum, earn ranking points, and regain confidence. And all of it has contributed to a slide in his world ranking — once a fixture in the top 10, Berrettini now finds himself outside that zone more often than not.
💥 Momentary Return & A Glimmer of Hope
Even amid the stress and rehab, Berrettini has given fans moments of hope. In Dubai, he returned to reach the quarterfinals, fired some powerful aces, showed glimpses of his old dominance, and looked confident — perhaps reminding everyone why he once reached the Wimbledon final in 2021. And most recently, he’s committed to playing at the Hangzhou Open (ATP 250) starting mid-September. It will mark his return to the court after more than two months away
⚠️ The Shocking Decision: Pulling Out of the U.S. Open
Perhaps the most startling moment came when Berrettini announced his withdrawal from the 2025 U.S. Open. Many assumed he would try to play, to make a stand, especially given his past success in New York — including a semifinal run in 2019. But instead, he cited ongoing injury concerns. That’s a big decision for someone striving to reclaim relevance. It’s a move that signals either deep hurt or a strategically self-protective move — and many believe it’s a mix of both.
