Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini will skip the entire clay season as he has announced his withdrawal from the French Open.
After a surprise defeat to Miomir Kecmanovic in the Indian Wells Masters round-of-16, Berrettini decided to undergo a hand surgery.
When announcing the surgery, Berrettini also announced he would skip Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
Berrettini left the door open for a potential return at the French Open but now has decided to skip the entire clay season and focus on preparing for the grass season.
Berrettini won’t play the French Open but he is targeting to play the full grass season.
“Following a very positive update from my medical team, I am now back on-court training at a high level. My hand is feeling great and I am working hard to build up my match fitness. My team and I have made the decision that going straight back into 5 set matches on clay @rolandgarros would not be sensible, therefore I will delay my comeback to compete in the full grass season. Thank you as always for all the support. I can’t wait to be back competing,” Berrettini announced on Instagram.
Pogledajte ovu objavu na Instagramu.
Berrettini reached the French Open quarterfinal last year
Last year, Berrettini enjoyed his best French Open run.
Berrettini made his first French Open quarterfinal, before losing to world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in four sets.
Unfortunately for Berrettini fans, they won’t have a chance to see the Italian at Roland Garros this year.
However, it’s encouraging that Berrettini is planning to play the full grass season.
Last year, Berrettini enjoyed an outstanding grass season.
After winning it all at the Queen’s Club, Berrettini made his maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.
In the Wimbledon final, Berrettini was up by a set before Djokovic stormed back to win in four sets.
Berrettini will likely need some time to find his game and rhythm after returning so it’s tough to say if the Italian will be among top Wimbledon favorites this year.