31 August 2023 , 21:57
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Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is out of the US Open after retiring with a painful-looking injury during his second-round match against Arthur Rinderknech.
Berrettini, 26, was writhing in agony on Court 5 after sustaining an ankle injury. The Italian was already a set and a break down (4-6, 3-5) when play was ruled a walkover.
Covering his face while lying prone on the hardcourt, the 2019 US Open semi-finalist repeatedly mutters, "Oh no," before letting out a guttural scream. Ballboys then congregate around the stricken player to provide some privacy by using open umbrellas to block sightlines to the scene.
Berrettini did return to his feet to shake hands with Rinderknech and the chair umpire while receiving a standing ovation from the crowd at the end of play. However, after gingerly limping between exchanging pleasantries, the World No. 36 returned to his courtside seat within seconds before putting his head into his hands.
It is a bitter way to end an injury-hit year for Berrettini. An abdominal injury at the Monte-Carlo Masters forced him to withdraw before even taking to the court for his third-round match with Holger Rune.
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Recovery from that problem also meant missing the Madrid Open, the Italian Open and the French Open through spring. It also cruelly cost the back-to-back Queen's champion a chance at defending his crown.
He would, however, return in time for Wimbledon. An impressive run to the fourth round saw him put out seeded opponents in Alex de Minaur and Alexander Zverev before exiting to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Berrettini was consoled by his team after the matchBerrettini also partook in the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters in preparation for Flushing Meadows. While only winning one game across the two, he succumbed to tough opposition in Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger Aliassime, respectively.
Then, in New York, he overcame Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets to fly through the first round. Speaking afterward during the press conference, he felt like that performance was somewhere back near his best.
"I'm rediscovering my mechanisms," Berrettini said, "I'm recognizing the situations I've experienced in the past, even if, it must be said, that the years go by and now I'm a different person with more experience behind me, for good and in the bad."
Reflecting, he continued: "First Grand Slam semifinal in New York? Remembering is beautiful, and I think it's the secret of what I did at Wimbledon and that helped me face this debut today.
"It's like looking in the mirror; it's my seventh US Open as a professional - the years go by, but I'm always here. I think it's a strength… despite everything, despite the big blows I've taken now, I'm here, and I'm having fun.
"When I walk in here, I recognize myself, and that's okay." Berrettini now looks to have suffered another big blow, punctuating a year to forget.