Introduction: A Dramatic Turn in Madrid That Changes Everything
In a sudden twist at the 2025 Madrid Open, 22-year-old British tennis rising star Jack Draper advanced to the next round after Matteo Berrettini, one of Italy’s top players, was forced to retire mid-match due to injury. It was a heart-wrenching moment for Berrettini fans, but a pivotal and emotionally charged opportunity for Draper.
This blog post breaks down everything you need to know about this major shift at the Madrid Open, what it means for Draper’s career, how Berrettini’s ongoing injury woes are shaping his future, and the broader implications for British tennis. We’ll answer your most frequently asked questions, highlight key stats, and provide expert insights that make this a must-read for tennis followers.
1. The Match That Ended Too Soon: What Happened to Matteo Berrettini?
Matteo Berrettini, once a Wimbledon finalist and a Madrid Open semifinalist, entered this year’s tournament with lingering injury concerns. Unfortunately, midway through the second set of his match against Draper, Berrettini signaled to the chair umpire and retired due to a recurring abdominal strain—a long-standing issue that has plagued him since 2023.
His retirement sent shockwaves through Caja Mágica and the wider tennis world. Fans, commentators, and fellow players alike expressed sympathy for the Italian, who has now withdrawn or retired from 9 tournaments in the past 18 months.
2. Who Is Jack Draper—and Why Is Everyone Watching Him Now?
Jack Draper isn’t just “the next British hope”—he’s proving to be a real contender. With a career-high ATP ranking of No. 37, Draper is among a new wave of British tennis talent seeking to make a name in a post-Andy Murray era.
Draper has impressed with his left-handed power, aggressive baseline play, and maturity beyond his years. This Madrid Open marks one of his best showings at a Masters 1000 tournament, and his path just opened wider.
Key Jack Draper Stats:
- ATP Ranking: No. 37 (as of May 2025)
- Career Wins Over Top-20 Players: 6
- 2025 Match Win Percentage: 71%
- Fastest Recorded Serve: 138 mph
With Berrettini’s exit, Draper now advances to face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, giving him a real shot at reaching the quarterfinals or better.
3. Why Does Berrettini Keep Getting Injured?
Matteo Berrettini’s struggles with injury have become a major narrative in recent years. Since 2022, he has been sidelined with:
- Abdominal strains (2022, 2023, 2025)
- Hand surgery (2022)
- Calf issues (2024)
- Illness-related withdrawals
At just 29, Berrettini’s body appears to be breaking down under the pressure of the ATP grind. In fact, some pundits are asking: Is it time for Berrettini to consider a lighter schedule—or even retirement?
4. What Does This Mean for the Madrid Open Draw?
Berrettini’s retirement significantly alters the dynamics of this year’s Madrid Open. With the Italian gone, Draper’s section of the draw becomes more navigable. A quarterfinal showing would be his first at Masters 1000 level, marking a career milestone and boosting his ATP points haul.
Potential route to the semis for Draper:
- Defeats Davidovich Fokina (Next Round)
- Faces likely opponent Felix Auger-Aliassime or Taylor Fritz
- Reaches Semifinal—a historic feat for a British player in Madrid
This sudden opportunity could be a turning point in Draper’s career, potentially propelling him into the ATP Top 25.
5. British Tennis on the Rise: Is Draper the New Murray?
There’s been cautious optimism around Draper for years, especially given the decline of Andy Murray and the inconsistency of players like Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie. But Draper’s recent form and maturity are giving the British tennis community something real to believe in.
Why Draper Could Be Britain’s Next Top 10 Star:
- He’s physically stronger than many peers his age.
- His serve-and-forehand combo is among the most feared among under-25s.
- He’s working closely with elite coaches and trainers, including former ATP Top 10 advisors.
- He’s shown composure under pressure, even on clay—historically not a British strength.
Expect the media narrative to heat up around “The Next Big Thing in British Tennis.”
6. FAQs About Draper vs. Berrettini at Madrid Open
Q: Why did Berrettini retire during the match?
A: He suffered a recurrence of a chronic abdominal strain and opted to retire midway to avoid long-term damage.
Q: How far can Jack Draper go in this tournament?
A: Given the current draw and his form, Draper has a realistic path to the semifinals, which would mark his best-ever Masters result.
Q: Has Draper ever beaten a top-10 player?
A: Yes, he has multiple top-10 wins, including over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hubert Hurkacz.
Q: Is Berrettini expected to play in Rome or Roland Garros?
A: It’s uncertain. His team has yet to confirm recovery timelines. Many expect him to withdraw from Rome and aim for Wimbledon 2025, his preferred surface.
Q: Is Draper playing better on clay this year?
A: Absolutely. He’s made major improvements in footwork, topspin control, and endurance, which are crucial on clay.
7. What This Means for Tennis Viewership and Sponsorship
From a business standpoint, Draper’s rise and Berrettini’s misfortune create a media goldmine. Draper’s clean-cut image, national appeal, and improving record make him an attractive figure for brands and sponsors.
Meanwhile, Berrettini, one of the most marketable players in the sport, may see his sponsorship deals come under pressure if his on-court appearances continue to dwindle.
Sponsorship Watch:
- Draper’s Deals: Nike, Wilson, and several emerging UK fitness brands
- Berrettini’s Partners: Boss, Head, and Rolex—may reassess marketing strategies
Brands are watching Madrid 2025 closely to see which narratives take hold in the run-up to the French Open.
8. Emotional Toll and Athlete Mental Health
Berrettini’s retirement isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. In post-match press comments, he expressed “deep disappointment and frustration”, describing his efforts to return to full fitness as “mentally draining.”
This opens up renewed discussions around:
- Mental health support for ATP players
- Scheduling reforms to reduce strain
- Injury prevention tech and training upgrades
Fans and analysts alike are calling for a wider conversation around the tour’s demands, especially for players with known injury histories.
Conclusion: A Star Rises, Another Battles On
Jack Draper’s advancement at the Madrid Open, although unorthodox due to Matteo Berrettini’s heartbreaking retirement, could very well be the start of a breakout season. His performance is not just a win for British tennis but a sign of resilience, preparation, and seizing the moment.
