In a bittersweet announcement, Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from the 2023 Italian Open in Rome.
Everyone in the tennis world hoped that Berrettini will be able to compete at this prestigious ATP 1000 event in his home country, but recent health concerns have forced the 2021 Wimbledon finalist to step back from the competition.
The withdrawal from the 2023 Italian Open is one of many for the Italian this year as he was also forced to pull out of the Madrid Open and many other important events. Announcing the bad news, Berrettini wrote:
"I have been holding on to the hope of being able to compete in Rome, a tournament that means so much to me and where all my dreams started. However, my latest scan results show I still need at least a week before I can start training physically again."
The Italian expressed his disappointment over missing the tournament on his home soil, especially because of Italian fans that would be surely cheering for him on the red clay of Foro Italico in the capital city.
"Withdrawing from and missing the Rome event is so so difficult, and that is all because of the Italian fans. Your support means everything and I can’t wait to be back competing in front of you again soon."
Now, Berrettini will want to focus on the upcoming Grand Slam, the 2023 Roland Garros where he's still present on the entry list and he will surely want to avoid withdrawal from that tournament, as he needs to start collecting some valuable ranking points.
