Matteo Berrettini US Open Withdrawal: Injury Setback Forces Italian Star Out Of Flushing Meadows
Former Grand Slam finalist Matteo Berrettini has officially announced his withdrawal from the 2026 US Open, dealing another disappointing blow to his season as he continues to struggle with recurring physical issues. Tournament organizers confirmed the update on August 16, 2026, just days ahead of the main draw action at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
| Event / Player Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player Involved | Matteo Berrettini (ITA) |
| Tournament | 2026 US Open (Flushing Meadows, NY) |
| Official Date of Withdrawal | August 16, 2026 |
| Reason for Exit | Physical fitness concerns / Injury rehabilitation |
| Replacement Status | Lucky Loser / Next Highest-Ranked Player |
| Career US Open Best | Semifinalist (2019) |
Physical Setbacks and the Ongoing Battle for Hard-Court Consistency
Berrettini’s decision to skip the year’s final Grand Slam comes after a turbulent 2026 campaign disrupted by lingering health issues. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist and 2019 US Open semifinalist has repeatedly seen his momentum stalled by abdominal tears, ankle sprains, and muscle fatigue over recent seasons.
After attempting to rebuild his form during the summer hard-court swing, the power-hitting Roman reportedly experienced discomfort during high-intensity training sessions leading into New York. Medical advisors recommended an extended rest period to prevent further long-term damage, ending his hopes of a deep run in Flushing Meadows.
- Key Career Highlights at Flushing Meadows:
- 2019: Reached his maiden Grand Slam semifinal, losing to eventual champion Rafael Nadal.
- 2021–2022: Maintained consistent quarterfinal-level runs in New York when healthy.
- 2026 Status: Forced to withdraw prior to main draw play due to fitness issues.
Bracket Impact and Lucky Loser Opportunities at New York
The matteo berrettini us open withdrawal causes an immediate ripple effect across the men's singles main draw. With the Italian unseeded or hovering near the edge of the seedings, his exit rearranges match pathways for top-ranked contenders and opens up a direct entry slot for a lucky loser from the qualifying rounds.
For tennis fans and fantasy managers tracking the draw, Berrettini's heavy-serve and forehand combination always posed a threat to top seeds in early rounds. His absence eases the path for rival competitors in his quarter while shifting broadcast spotlight toward emerging Italian talent like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti.
- Where to Watch the 2026 US Open:
- United States: Live coverage on ESPN, ESPN2, and streaming via ESPN+.
- United Kingdom & Europe: Sky Sports and Eurosport streaming platforms.
- International: Official ATP Tour live streaming apps and regional broadcast partners.
"I felt more injured inside than outside" - Matteo Berrettini opens up ...
Recovery Timeline and Late-2026 Tour Prospects
Looking beyond New York, Berrettini's team is shifting focus toward rehabilitation ahead of the autumn indoor hard-court season. The primary goal remains restoring full physical health without rushing back to competition prematurely.
If his recovery stays on track over the coming weeks, Berrettini could target a return for the European indoor swing or represent Italy in the late-season Davis Cup ties. Rebuilding his ATP ranking will remain the top priority as he aims to secure direct entry for major events heading into the 2027 season.
