"I'm devastated" says Matteo Berrettini on ATP Finals withdrawal

The Italian was determined to try anything in order to be able to continue playing at the event but it was not enough. About 16:00 CET yesterday news came out that Berrettini had retired from the event and will be replaced by Jannik Sinner. Later he posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram explaining just how devastated he is.

It reads:

"Hi guys, I've been thinking, thinking, crying and finally decided. My finals end here, I'm devastated, never thought I'd have to give up the most important tennis event held in Italy like this. The truth is that as a much as I wanted to play in front of you one more time, I felt and therefore decided that my body is not ready to face the challenges I face.

Saying I'm sad wouldn't do justice to the mood I'm in, I feel robbed of something I've conqured with years of effort and weat. It' wasn't an easy decision, but I'm convinced it's the best for me and my career. Thank for your continued support and the thousands of messages you sent me, you made me emotional. Thank you Mat"