Matteo Berrettini Makes a Statement After Emotional Retirement in Rome

Sadly, in the latter part of the first set, Berrettini experienced a familiar sensation. "Then I felt another pull, towards the end of the first set, and after that I couldn't remain in the match, remain focused."

The retirement decision was not easy. "I had to pull out one more time. I did not want to retire, but then I know what happens if I do not stop: I have to spend three months not playing, every time I sneeze I jump. I did not want that thing there to happen again."

Berrettini, who has been subjected to a regular succession of injuries throughout his career, noted that the pain was close to an exposed region- his obliques, muscles that have betrayed him over and over in the past.

"It is near a place that I hurt before. I don't know what is wrong with my obliques," Berrettini said. "The sensations, alas, I know them all too well because I have been there too many times."

Even in disappointment, Berrettini was full of pride in what he had accomplished. "Honestly, a week ago I didn't think I would play the tournament. It was kind of a miracle to have played one match and win it. I ended up playing two and a half(hours). It was something important even though I obviously didn't want to end like that."

The 28-year-old Italian, who has been as high as World No. 6, hopes he did not suffer a major setback this time. "The emotions are, as I mentioned before, that I hope I didn't do too much harm, because I don't feel like staying home and not playing."

For the meantime, everyone will be watching his recovery, with fans in Italy and around the world of tennis wishing for a complete recovery from his ongoing injury.