For months, tennis fans watched in silence as Matteo Berrettini disappeared from the spotlight. Injuries and withdrawals kept him off the courts, and doubts quietly crept in. Now, he’s back — but his return at the Hangzhou Open didn’t go as planned. And insiders say this might be more than a stumble — it could be a crossroads moment in his career.
🎯 A Return with Heavy Expectations
After nearly two and a half months without competing due to an oblique injury, Berrettini confirmed his comeback at the Lynk & Co Hangzhou Open (ATP 250), set to begin mid-September. He posted behind-the-scenes videos of training and declared “final prep ✅ See you in Hangzhou!” It was a message of hope — a statement that he’s not giving up.
But the reality of his comeback has been harsher than anticipated.
💔 The Shock Exit & Grim Predictions
In his opening match in Hangzhou, Berrettini faced Dalibor Svrcina, a younger, lower-ranked player who entered as a lucky loser. Despite the aura of a comeback, Berrettini was soundly beaten in straight sets — a result that left fans and analysts stunned.
That loss wasn’t a random off day. It played into a growing narrative. Former Italian great Paolo Bertolucci said the defeat was “not surprising,” citing Berrettini’s long layoff and physical uncertainty. He warned that it will be “very tough” for Berrettini to reclaim his previous form unless he racks up match time and remains injury-free.
The doubts aren’t just talk. At the Swiss Open Gstaad, where he was the defending champion, Berrettini withdrew before the tournament began, handing the title to a rival. And earlier in the season, he skipped the Grand Prix Hassan II — where he had won previously — allowing someone else to capture the trophy in his absence.
⚖️ Between the Lines: What’s at Stake
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Physical fragility: Stretching, rehab, pain — the oblique injury is just one in a series. He has now missed multiple Grand Slams, and critics wonder whether his body can endure.
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Confidence & mindset: Going from number 6 in the world to struggling to win matches is brutal. The pressure is mounting.
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Legacy at risk: He once outperformed legends like Djokovic — even defeating Novak in Doha earlier this year. But if he can’t cling to relevance now, history may write a different ending.
