“Destroying my body and my head,” After Jannik Sinner’s phenomenal success, Italian tennis seeks to set the bar higher with Matteo Berrettini’s comeback

The former Wimbledon runner-up is expected to return to the Tour next month and make his much-awaited season debut.

“Destroying my body and my head,” After Jannik Sinner’s phenomenal success, Italian tennis seeks to set the bar higher with Matteo Berrettini’s comeback

Matteo Berrettini (via IMAGO)

Former World No. 6 Matteo Berrettini continues to work on his injury as he is yet to make his season debut for 2024. He had initially planned to return to the Tour in Australia. But a late injury setback saw him rule out his return and also miss the 2024 Australian Open.

The Italian had injured himself in the second round of the 2023 US Open. He suffered a terrible slip on the court in the second set against Arthur Rinderknech. Shrieking in pain, he had to withdraw from the match leaving in a wheelchair. The injury on his leg eventually ended his season as well.

YouTube video

Out from the Tour, his ranking has also taken a hit. He is now ranked outside the Top-100 and is currently the 124th player in the world. However, he will be able to use his protected ranking upon his return which could save him from playing in the qualifiers.

FS Video

Having missed the action in January and February, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for the former Wimbledon runner-up. As per Sky Sports, he should play the Sunshine Double in March. The Italian also gave a small update on his injury admitting he is not 100% yet. 

I'm better, but I'm not yet 100%. The goal is to play the whole season, and without these setbacks which are destroying my body and my head.
Said Berrettini ahead of his comeback.

Matteo Berrettini’s record at the Sunshine Double

Historically, Berrettini has not been at his best at the twin Masters events of the Sunshine Double. The Italian despite being a good player on the hardcourts, for some reason, he has not been able to bring his best at the two premier events.

Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini (via IMAGO)

At the Indian Wells, he made his debut in 2018 reaching the main-draw from the qualifiers. He however lost in the second round to Daniil Medvedev. In 2019, despite being in the main-draw directly, he lost to local boy Sam Querrey in the firs round.

With the competition was cancelled in 2020 hence he played in 2021 losing to another American. This time it was Taylor Fritz who won their third-round tie. His best result at the tournament came in 2022 when he made the fourth round before losing to Miomir Kecmanovic.

His poor luck continued in 2023 as well, losing to Taro Daniel in the second round having received a bye in the first round. In Miami, he is yet to win a single match having a 0-3 record at the tournament. He lost the qualifier in 2018. In 2019, he lost in the first round to Hubert Hurkacz. He skipped the tournament in 2021 and 2022.

His fate didn’t change however as he lost in the first round to American Mackenzie McDonald again. Much to his disappointment, in both the main-draw matches in Miami, he lost in straight-sets and is yet to win a set there.

In case you missed it: