Matteo Berrettini Is Tired of Retiring After His Frustrating Injury Ruins French Open Dream

Matteo Berrettini's return to the latter stages of the French Open 2026 ended in disappointment on Wednesday after the Italian was forced to withdraw from his quarter-final against fellow countryman Matteo Arnaldi due to injury.

The former Wimbledon finalist was unable to complete the match at Roland Garros after a hip issue limited his movement during the second set. Berrettini had dropped the opening set and was trailing when he decided he could not continue, bringing an abrupt end to his campaign.

The retirement continues a difficult pattern for the Italian, whose career has repeatedly been interrupted by physical setbacks over the past several seasons. Since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2021, Berrettini has missed significant periods of competition through injury, affecting his ability to build momentum at major tournaments.

Speaking after the match, the 30-year-old admitted the decision was particularly difficult given his history of withdrawals.

“It was really hard [to retire] because I thought that wasn't the right thing, mostly because I have done it many times and I'm tired of retiring,” said Berrettini.

“I didn't want the tournament to end like this.”

The latest setback comes after what had been an encouraging week in Paris. Competing at Roland Garros for the first time since 2021, Berrettini had worked his way into the last eight and appeared to be rediscovering the form that once saw him establish himself among the top players on the ATP Tour.

Matteo's frustrating injury strikes again

Physical discomfort became increasingly apparent as the quarter-final progressed. Berrettini received treatment during the contest and struggled to move freely before eventually ending the match early. The decision handed Arnaldi a place in the semi-finals.

Arnaldi expressed sympathy for his opponent after the match, acknowledging the circumstances surrounding the victory. The result sends him into an all-Italian semi-final against Flavio Cobolli, with a spot in the French Open final on the line.

Matteo Berrettini is tired of retiring after another setback

While the defeat ends Berrettini's hopes of challenging for a maiden Grand Slam title in Paris, his comments afterward reflected a familiar frustration. Injuries have repeatedly interrupted key moments in his career, and another retirement at a major tournament added to that list.

Despite the disappointment, reaching the French Open men’s quarter-finals represented one of Berrettini's strongest Grand Slam performances in recent years and offers a platform to build on once he returns to full fitness.