“It would be unsafe to try and compete”: Matteo Berrettini reveals reason behind withdrawing from Madrid Open

Italy’s tennis star Matteo Berrettini has revealed the reason behind withdrawing from the upcoming Madrid Open. The 28-year-old withdrew from the upcoming ATP 1000 event scheduled to be organised in the Spanish capital.

Berrettini, in a post on his official account on the social media platform Instagram, revealed the reason behind withdrawing from the competition and also stated that now he is focusing on playing in his home town. "I have been struggling with an illness the last few days which has now evolved into tonsillitis and a fever. Following another assessment my doctor advised it would be unsafe to try and compete in Madrid," he wrote. "Now my focus shifts to recovering as quickly as possible and preparing for Rome.”

The most recent appearance for the Rome-born this season came at the Monte-Carlo Masters where he was knocked out in the round of 64 after losing to Miomir Kecmanovic with a score of 6-3, 6-1. Overall, Berrettini is not having a great season as previously he had to withdraw from the Australian Open as well with a right foot injury. His most impressive outing in 2024 came in the Grand Prix Hassan II event where he ended as the winner after beating Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-2 earlier in April.