'Very sad': French Open rocked with brutal news as Alex de Minaur cops tough draw

Yahoo

22-05-2025

Matteo Berrettini has stunned the tennis community once again having withdrawn from the French Open as Alex de Minaur copped a tough draw in Paris. Berrettini is a favourite among tennis fans, but has struggled with injuries across the last few years.
The 2021 Wimbledon finalist has withdrawn from a number of big tournaments in recent years having struggled to find his fitness. A right foot injury forced him out of the 2024 Australian Open, while a muscle tear in the stomach saw him withdraw from the Italian Open last year.
Berrettini withdrew from his third round clash against Casper Ruud last week at the Italian Open in a worrying sign. And despite clawing his way back to World No.24, Berrettini withdrew from Roland Garros without specifying what injury had set him back.
'I just ran out of time to feel 100% ready to compete at the level that is needed," Berrettini posted on Instagram. "I'm looking forward to competing on grass and am already preparing with my team. I'm very appreciative of the support I feel from you all and can't wait to be back out on the court.'
The Italian hasn't played in Paris since 2021 due to injury. Despite winning 10 titles throughout his career, Berrettini is struggling to maintain his fitness. Fans were left devastated at the news with Berrettini once again looking ahead to Wimbledon - his best surface - as he tries to get his body right.
BREAKING: Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from Roland Garros due to injury. Very sad news. He hasn't played this event since 2021. Hopefully we see him back at this event next year healthy. 🇮🇹❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/wIDWHLrgA4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 22, 2025
Matteo Berrettini has been forced to withdraw from the main draw of Roland-Garros. He will be replaced by a lucky loser. A big shame but let's hope the former Wimbledon finalist is fit for the grass season.
— Tennis Weekly Podcast (@tennisweeklypod) May 22, 2025
Very sad news as Matteo Berrettini will (again) miss #RolandGarros. Hoping he will be fit on grass where he can be a factor. pic.twitter.com/AowSLVgLN6
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 22, 2025
De Minaur will be looking to go even better than his quarter-final run in Paris last year as he builds up his clay court momentum. However, he faces a tough draw if he wants to reach the final in 2025.
The 26-year-old will face Serbian Laslo Djere in his opening round. The Aussie has a 3-0 record against the Serbian and will be confident of progressing. Then he will either face fellow Australian James Duckworth or Alexander Bublik in the next round.
His draw then becomes quite difficult with rising teenage star Jakub Mensik predicted to be his opponent in the third. And then another clash with rival and in-form British weapon Jack Draper awaits in the round of 16.
And he faces a potential match-up with Jannik Sinner in the quarter-final. De Minaur has never defeated Sinner, with their head-to-head record currently 10-0 in the Italian's favour. Sinner returned at the Italian Open after a three-month suspension and reached the final where he went down to Carlos Alcaraz. Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic potentially awaits after the quarters if he makes a dream run.
De Minaur was seen practising on Court Philippe-Chatrier with fellow Aussie Christopher O'Connell ahead of his opening match. But O'Connell faces a much tougher task against French 22nd seed Ugo Humbert. Aleksandar Vukic faces big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov in the first round. Alexei Popyrin has a good opportunity to progress against World No.75 Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round.
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Sinner and Alcaraz will head into the French Open as heavy favourites having both reached the Italian Open final. However, Djokovic is looking to gain match fitness after skipping tournaments Barcelona and Rome.
The World No.4 returned in Geneva and has rattled off two wins as he set up a clash against Cameron Norrie. Djokovic turned 38 on the day he dispatched Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets. Djokovic will be looking to challenge himself this weekend against the British star to find out where he is at before heading to Paris.