Berrettini Retires, Sending Ruud Into Rome Fourth Round: What Really Happened and What’s Next?
Matteo Berrettini’s homecoming at the 2025 Italian Open ended in heartbreak. The highly anticipated clash between Berrettini and Casper Ruud on the red clay of Rome was supposed to be a marquee moment for Italian tennis fans. Instead, it ended prematurely — with Berrettini retiring mid-match, handing Ruud a walkover into the fourth round.
But this isn’t just a story of one man’s withdrawal. It’s a tale of resilience, heartbreak, and momentum shifting on the ATP tour. And as Ruud advances with his eyes on another deep Rome run, fans are left wondering: what’s next for both players?
The Match That Could Have Been
Entering the third round, anticipation was sky-high. Matteo Berrettini, the charismatic Italian powerhouse with a forehand like a cannon, was finally finding rhythm again after a long road of injuries. The Foro Italico buzzed with patriotic energy as fans dreamt of an Italian charge deep into the draw.
Casper Ruud, meanwhile, is no stranger to Rome success. A finalist here in 2022 and a model of clay-court consistency, he came into the match with a calm confidence — a quiet storm building in the draw. The prospect of a Ruud vs. Berrettini clash under the Roman sun promised fireworks.
But as quickly as it began, it fell apart.
Berrettini, trailing early in the match and visibly uncomfortable, made the difficult decision to retire. The crowd, stunned, could only offer warm applause for a hometown hero who once again found himself battling not just opponents — but his own body.
The Physical Toll: A Familiar Chapter for Berrettini
Berrettini’s 2025 season has been one of cautious optimism. After a stop-start 2024 filled with abdominal and wrist injuries, he returned this year hoping to rebuild. Early signs were encouraging — strong performances in Challenger events, flashes of brilliance in Madrid, and that unmistakable fighting spirit every time he stepped on court.
But clay is an unforgiving surface. The physicality required, the long grinding rallies, and the brutal demands of sliding and retrieving can expose even the slightest weaknesses. For Berrettini, it appears those demands caught up with him in Rome.
He was reportedly dealing with discomfort in his lower back and left leg, issues that have lingered on and off since last year. Though he tried to mask the pain, anyone watching the match could see it: the sluggish movement, the shorter points, the looks of frustration. When he made the call to retire, it was less surrender and more self-preservation.
Ruud’s Reaction: Class and Compassion
When the announcement was made official, Casper Ruud walked to the net with the grace of a seasoned professional. He offered Berrettini a handshake and a few supportive words. In post-match interviews, he expressed sympathy:
“It’s never the way you want to win. Matteo is such a great competitor and especially here in front of his fans, I’m sure this hurts. I hope he recovers quickly — the tour is better when he’s healthy.”
Ruud has long been admired for his sportsmanship, and this was yet another moment where his character shined. Now, with a fourth-round spot secured, he shifts into contender mode — but not without recognizing the human cost of his advancement.
What This Means for Ruud: A Wide-Open Opportunity
With Berrettini out of the way, Ruud finds himself in a strong position to make another deep run in Rome. His consistency on clay, mental steadiness, and ability to handle pressure make him one of the most dangerous players in the draw. And with some big names struggling or already out — including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune — the road to the final has cracks in it.
Ruud’s likely fourth-round opponent is still to be determined, but few would bet against him reaching the semifinals, if not further. He’s hungry, healthy, and entering peak clay-court form just ahead of Roland Garros. A statement performance in Rome could send a message to the rest of the ATP: Casper Ruud is not just consistent — he’s coming for titles.
Social Buzz: Reactions to Berrettini’s Retirement
Social media lit up moments after the retirement. Fans were torn between heartbreak and support. The hashtag #ForzaBerrettini trended within the hour, with thousands of fans sending messages of encouragement.
@TennisFanIT:
“You could see it in his eyes — Matteo didn’t want to stop. Pain wins again. Heal up king. 🇮🇹 #Berrettini”
@ClayCourtChronicles:
“Ruud advances, but this one hurts. Wishing Berrettini a full recovery. His fight can’t be questioned. #ItalianOpen #Rome2025”
@ATPFlashback:
“Sad to see Berrettini go out this way. Rome deserves a fit Matteo. Let’s hope for a Roland Garros return. #ForzaBerrettini”
The general consensus? Deep respect for Berrettini’s grit, and cautious optimism that this setback won’t be a season-ender.
What’s Next for Berrettini?
The question now shifts to Berrettini’s health and future. Will he play Roland Garros? Or will he step back to recover for the grass season, where his game historically thrives?
If he misses Paris, fans can expect to see him target Queen’s Club and Wimbledon — tournaments where his booming serve and forehand are at their deadliest. The key will be managing recovery and avoiding re-aggravation. At 29, Berrettini still has time — but every injury lays another brick in a wall that’s getting harder to scale.
One thing is certain: fans, especially in Italy, haven’t given up on him. And neither has the man himself. His resilience, charm, and dedication to the sport continue to make him a fan favorite, even when the scoreboard doesn’t.
Final Thoughts: Clay Breaks the Body, But Not the Spirit
Rome has given us gladiators for centuries, and on this day, it gave us two. One — Casper Ruud — marches forward with the cool calculation of a clay-court surgeon. The other — Matteo Berrettini — exits wounded, but not without pride.
In many ways, this match (or lack thereof) tells the broader story of the 2025 tennis season. Physicality is testing the old guard, while the new elite — steady, fit, and unrelenting — begin to establish dominance.
Still, the story is far from over. Ruud has rounds to play, titles to chase. Berrettini has time to heal, a comeback arc still unwritten. And fans? We’ll be watching, cheering, and hoping for another day — one where both players are back on the court, giving us the match we were promised.
