Matteo Berrettini Retires Injured at Madrid Open
Matteo Berrettini's Madrid Open campaign ended abruptly on Tuesday when the Italian retired injured during his third-round match against Britain's Jack Draper. The injury, an abdominal issue, forced Berrettini's withdrawal after a hard-fought first set tiebreak (7-6 (7-2)) won by Draper. This unfortunate event overshadowed other notable matches, including Cam Norrie's exit and Jacob Fearnley's loss following a dramatic power outage that disrupted Monday's play.
Draper Advances, Shows Empathy
Draper, displaying sportsmanship and empathy, commented on Berrettini's retirement, noting the Italian's visible lack of energy and acknowledging the recurring nature of his abdominal injuries. "He said his abs were pulling," Draper stated, adding that he believed the injury may have occurred in the previous round. Draper expressed hope for Berrettini's recovery in time for the Italian Open in Rome.
A Challenging Tournament for Several Players
The Madrid Open saw upsets beyond Berrettini's early exit. Top seed Alexander Zverev was defeated by Francisco Cerundolo, leaving Draper as the highest-ranked player remaining in the men's draw. Norrie's loss to Gabriel Diallo and Fearnley's defeat against Grigor Dimitrov added to the day's surprises. The unprecedented power outage on Monday further complicated matters, delaying matches and leading to a hectic Tuesday schedule.
Berrettini's Injury History and Future
Abdominal injuries have plagued Berrettini, causing several forced withdrawals in recent years. His retirement in Madrid raises concerns about his fitness for the upcoming Italian Open, a tournament he'll undoubtedly be keen to compete in. This latest setback underscores the challenges faced by professional athletes and the importance of injury prevention and management.
Looking Ahead
Draper now faces Tommy Paul in the fourth round, a familiar opponent with whom he has a 3-2 head-to-head record. The match promises to be a compelling encounter, with both players vying for a place in the quarter-finals. While Berrettini's absence is a significant loss to the tournament, the Madrid Open continues with exciting matchups and unexpected twists.
