Matteo Berrettini’s comeback run at Roland Garros ended abruptly when a hip injury forced him to retire from his quarter-final against fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi. The former World No. 6, playing his first major quarter-final since the 2022 US Open, had surged to an early double-break lead and looked poised for a deeper push before his movement deteriorated.
Berrettini’s Injury and Its Impact
Berrettini began feeling discomfort in his hip while serving midway through the first set, and the pain intensified with each serve and forehand. He took a medical timeout in the second set but could not continue and stopped the match soon after. He described the issue as a new problem and said scans in the coming days will determine the extent of the damage. He emphasized that halting play, however difficult, was the responsible choice to avoid making the injury worse.
The 30-year-old showed clear frustration as the match slipped away and shared a brief embrace with Arnaldi before leaving the court. This was Berrettini’s first appearance at Roland Garros since 2021, when he also reached the quarter-finals. Despite the setback, the tournament underlined his return to form. He started the fortnight ranked No. 105 and rose to No. 48 in the live rankings, taking confidence from the level he displayed in Paris while turning his focus to recovery and a swift return.
Looking ahead, Berrettini’s performance in the tournament serves as a testament to his resilience and skill on the court. As he navigates through his recovery, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching his next steps in the ATP Tour. His ability to bounce back from such setbacks is a crucial aspect of his journey, and many believe that with the right treatment and rehabilitation, he can return stronger than ever.