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Berrettini Australian Open 2021
Australian Open, Tennis News

‘All of a sudden I felt it’, Matteo Berrettini reveals major injury concern following victory


Matteo Berrettini said he may struggle to return to the court in two days after picking up an injury during his victory over Karen Khachanov. 

The ninth seed battled past the Russian 7-6(1) 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in three tie-breaks to book his place in the fourth round, though was spotted grimacing after a forehand at 5-4 in the third set which resulted in a medical timeout and an uncomfortable end to the match.

“I don’t know what happened, I felt here under my rib something that pulled, but the physio said that nothing was pulled,” an emotional Berrettini said.

“It could be some muscle that wasn’t working properly. But I was really feeling it when I was serving and then obviously my mindset went a little bit away because I was thinking about it. I was two sets up, I was playing good, I was feeling the momentum, then all of a sudden I felt this.

“I’m really glad I could win the third set, now I have to do a great job with my physio to get back on court in two days.”

Matteo Berrettini, who is hoping to be fit enough to play in his first ever fourth round match at the Australian Open, described a strange atmosphere on John Cain Arena.

He said: “I really miss the crowd and people.

“I have to be honest, a stadium like this and looking at it empty is not the best feeling, but we are living in hard time and we have to adapt.

“There are worse things in the world. Hopefully in a few days they’re going to be back and I really hope that I’m going to be able to play in front of them again.

Injury-permitting, Berrettini will face Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas on Monday.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.