Berrettini’s tearful end: is Sinner’s hour now? – tennis

Matteo Berrettini had to give up injured at the ATP Finals in Turin. © APA / afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

What a tragedy at the start of the ATP Finals in Turin: Matteo Berrettini had to break off a spectacular match against Alexander Zverev in tears. Instead of him, Jannik Sinner should now appear.

14. November 2021

Author: fop

Alexander Zverev won his first group game late on Sunday evening against Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini because his opponent gave up due to injury at the score of 7: 6 (9: 7), 1: 0 from Zverev’s point of view. With this, the Olympic champion secured his first success on the intended path to the semi-finals of the year-end tournament of the eight best tennis professionals of the season.

For Berrettini, however, the big highlight at the end of the season ended in the most bitter way. “That is probably the hardest moment in his career. I’m really sorry for Matteo, because he and all of Italy would have deserved it here, ”said Zverev, who, out of respect, showed no signs of cheering after his victory. “You just don’t want to win like that,” said the German.

Sinner is already ready in Turin

Berrettini will undergo more detailed examinations on Monday morning. His injury to the upper body muscles seems to be so severe that further participation in the tournament is more than just on the brink. Should the Roman effectively hoist the white flag, Jannik Sinner would step in for him.

Matteo Berrettini was treated for minutes – in the end in vain. © ANSA / Alessandro Di Marco

The Sextner, who is in 10th place in the world rankings, is already in Turin to be the first substitute in the event of a failure. This could now be the case on Tuesday. If Berrettini gave up, Sinner would play his remaining group games against Daniil Medvedev (ATP 2) and Hubert Hurkacz (ATP 9).