Defending Champion Matteo Berrettini Withdraws from Queen’s Tournament Due to Abdominal Injury

Defending Champion Berrettini Withdraws From Queen’s Due to Injury

The defending champion of the Queen’s championships, Matteo Berrettini, has withdrawn from next week’s tournament due to an abdominal injury. This year, the world number 21 won at Queen’s before losing in the Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic.

Berrettini is now facing another setback after a stomach muscle tear saw him miss the clay-court season. He returned last week and lost 6-1 6-2 to Lorenzo Sonego in Stuttgart.

Hopeful for Wimbledon Return After Covid Battle Last Year

Last year, he beat Filip Krajinovic in the final to retain his title at Queen’s but withdrew from Wimbledon after testing positive for Covid-19. Now hoping to be fit again for this year’s tournament which starts on July 3rd.

New Talent Carlos Alcaraz Set For Debut At Queen’s Tournament

A new talent set for their debut at this years’ Queens championship is top seed and world number two Carlos Alcaraz who will face qualifier Arthur Fils in Tuesday’s opening round match. The young Spaniard will certainly be one to watch as he sets out into his first major competition. On Tuesday unseeded record five-time champion Andy Murray is also due out on court facing a tough opening match against Australian world number 18 Alex de Minaur. Fellow Briton Cameron Norrie who was a surprising semi-finalist last year at Wimbledon will play Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović on Monday.

Conclusion

It is a shame that Berrettini will miss out on defending his title at the Queen’s championships due to injury, but with new talent such as Carlos Alcaraz set for their debut and record five-time champion Andy Murray returning, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be an exciting one. Fans can’t wait to see who will come out on top!