Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini has left fans reeling with his sudden withdrawal from the 2025 French Open, announced on May 21, 2025, citing ongoing fitness concerns. The 29-year-old, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, becomes the first major player to pull out of the Roland Garros tournament, set to begin on May 25, 2025. This decision follows a challenging season marred by physical setbacks, raising questions about his Grand Slam prospects.
Berrettini’s withdrawal stems from persistent injuries that forced him to skip key clay-court events, including the Madrid Open and the Italian Open in Rome. According to Tennis.com, he has been grappling with a nagging ankle issue and a recurring wrist problem, which sidelined him after a first-round win in Madrid. These setbacks have disrupted his preparation for the clay season, a surface where he has historically struggled to replicate his success on grass and hard courts.
Despite a career-best French Open run in 2021, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Novak Djokovic in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5 battle, Berrettini has yet to advance past the last eight at Roland Garros. His powerful game, better suited to faster surfaces, has often been tested by the slower clay, where endurance and topspin dominate. Fans on X expressed disappointment, with @TennisFanatic12 noting, “Berrettini’s out? That’s a huge blow for Italy’s hopes in Paris.”
The absence of Berrettini, a former world No. 6 and 2021 Wimbledon finalist, alters the French Open landscape, potentially opening opportunities for players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in a highly competitive men’s field. His withdrawal also fuels speculation about his long-term fitness, especially after a 2024 season where he missed significant time due to injuries. Berrettini remains optimistic, stating on Instagram, “I’ll be back stronger,” but his immediate focus is on recovery to target the grass season, particularly Wimbledon.
As Roland Garros approaches, the tennis community is left pondering the impact of Berrettini’s absence on the tournament’s dynamics and whether the Italian can reclaim his top form in future Grand Slams.
