Matteo Berrettini—what bad luck! No match against Carlos Alcaraz, and there’s an even bigger unknown

Bad news for Matteo Berrettini at the Paris Masters 1000. The Roman tennis player announced via an Instagram Story—posted just a few hours before his scheduled match against Carlos Alcaraz—that he won’t be able to take the court in the round of 16 against the Murcia native due to yet another physical setback in a career plagued by injuries.

“Hi everyone, unfortunately, the pain in my arm that I’ve been dealing with for a few days won’t allow me to take the court tonight,” Berrettini wrote, explaining that he will undergo tests in the coming days to better understand the extent of the problem. “Thank you all for the support and affection you show me every day, both on and off the court,” added the Italian player.

This withdrawal comes shortly after a pair of prestigious victories on the Parisian hard courts—first against Brandon Nakashima and then against Ugo Humbert. The former world No. 6 had appeared to be in excellent form, but unfortunately, he had to succumb to bad luck once again. Berrettini’s absence thus opens the door to the quarterfinals for Carlos Alcaraz, who advances in the tournament without playing.

The news inevitably fuels doubts about Berrettini’s participation in the Davis Cup. His performances in Paris had boosted his chances after he was initially left off Filippo Volandri’s roster, but this latest setback risks further complicating the Roman tennis player’s plans.

After showing more than encouraging signs both technically and mentally, Berrettini once again finds himself forced to stop. Upcoming medical tests will determine whether this is an issue that can be managed with a bit of rest or a more serious setback: only then will it be possible to make the necessary assessments regarding his participation—or lack thereof—in the Finals, where the Salade d’Hiver will be awarded to the national team that emerges victorious in Bologna.