Matteo Berrettini’s Injury Woes
Matteo Berrettini, who triumphed at the previous year’s Kitzbuhel Open, will not be able to defend his title this time due to injury, marking his second withdrawal from a tournament in just two weeks. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist has faced multiple injuries in recent years and has struggled to regain his form after reaching the finals at Wimbledon four years ago.
Comeback and Recent Performances
In March 2024, Berrettini made a comeback from a six-month absence caused by a foot injury incurred during the 2023 US Open. Following his rehabilitation, he showcased remarkable performances on clay courts under the mentorship of Francisco Roig, a former coach of Rafael Nadal. Berrettini clinched several titles in 2024, including the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech, the Swiss Open in Gstaad, and notably, the Kitzbuhel Open.
Setbacks and Withdrawals
However, his career faced a setback after the split with Roig in October, which surprised many fans and analysts alike. Earlier this year, at the Italian Open in May, Berrettini encountered a right oblique injury that forced him to retire during his match against Casper Ruud, leading to further withdrawals from the French Open and subsequent grass-court events leading up to Wimbledon.
He returned to action at Wimbledon but struggled against Kamil Majchrzak in a fifth-set loss, a performance that raised concerns about his physical condition. Subsequently, Berrettini withdrew from the ongoing Swiss Open in Gstaad, with the tournament citing injury, though specifics were not disclosed by the athlete or his representation. The ongoing issues with his right oblique seem to hinder his recovery and performance on the court.
Other Notable Withdrawals
Additionally, Marin Cilic, a former US Open champion, also pulled out of the Kitzbuhel Open and had not competed since his fourth-round exit at Wimbledon. He, too, withdrew from the Swiss Open, likely due to persistent knee issues, indicating a cautious approach to his health as he considers the upcoming hard court season.
Another notable absence from the Swiss Open is Alexander Zverev, who cited personal issues for his withdrawal. After a disappointing early exit at Wimbledon, Zverev admitted to his struggles and is contemplating professional support. Speculation about Zverev’s potential collaboration with Rafael Nadal and his uncle, Toni Nadal, surfaced following a recent sighting of him at the Rafael Nadal Academy.
