After another surgery, Matteo Berrettini hasn't played since the 2022 Indian Wells in March, as the Italian is also in doubt for this year's Roland Garros.
The 26-year-old is one of the best Italian players on the ATP Tour at the moment and ranked highest in the ATP Rankings. Last year, 'The Hammer' had a positive 13-4 record on clay and won one title on the red surface.
However, this year, he might be forced to skip the whole clay-court part of the season. About a month ago, Berrettini withdrew from the Miami Open after his Indian Wells exit to surgically address his injury issues.
"We decided a minor operation was the best solution to ensure a full and quick recovery. Earlier today I had the operation and I’m happy to report it went extremely well."
Later, the Italian announced that he would also withdraw from the majority of the clay-court season so as not to rush the recovery process, as advised by various medical experts that he and his team consulted.
"Following advice from the medical experts, my team and I have decided that it is crucial I do not put time pressure on my recovery process. We have therefore decided I should withdraw from the Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome tournaments to ensure I give myself the proper amount of time to return at my highest level."
Now, it looks like Berrettini might not play on clay at all this season. He's also currently in doubt for the 2022 Roland Garros participation, as he revealed in a recent interview with Eurosport Italia.
"I don't want to rush anything, I will only go to Paris if I am in a position to go all the way. At the moment it is more no than yes, in that case I will go directly to the tournaments on the grass."
The grass-court part of the season is usually the most important for Berrettini, having reached the Wimbledon final in 2021, so he will be trying to suit his preparation also to that part of the season.
“It will be a different grass season, because I won't get there with so many matches on my shoulders. Mentally, this stop was difficult, and the day I officially announced that I would not play in Rome was terrible."
"But I will turn these negative energies into competitive nastiness when I return, I have always come back stronger after injuries. If all goes well, I'd like to have a nice American summer in the Masters 1000 in Canada and Cincinnati and then aim for the US Open. And I don't forget Davis: we have a very strong team that can win the Cup."