Lorenzo Musetti withdraws from Wimbledon with thigh injury; Matteo Berrettini gains main draw spot

Injury layoff

Lorenzo Musetti has been out of action since mid-May, when a thigh injury forced him to retire during his fourth-round match against Casper Ruud at the Italian Open in Rome. The injury was later diagnosed as a second-degree strain in his left thigh, according to Italian media, though some international outlets reported the right. It prevented the 24-year-old from competing at the French Open, where he had been a semifinalist a year earlier.

“Rehabilitation is going very well and the medical results are encouraging. Unfortunately, as I have not yet been able to begin a full athletic training program, and after careful evaluation, we have come to the difficult conclusion that I will not be able to participate in Wimbledon this year.”

Wimbledon absence

Musetti, the world No. 15, made the announcement on Instagram on Wednesday, June 17. Having reached the Wimbledon last four in 2024, falling to Novak Djokovic, he had hoped to return on grass. But his body has not cooperated. He said the decision was made with his team and emphasized that his priority was to return at full strength.

“It is not an easy decision, but it is the right one. My priority is to return to the court at 100%.”

Berrettini steps in

The withdrawal directly benefits Matteo Berrettini. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist was the first alternate, and Musetti’s exit moves him into the main draw without needing to qualify. Berrettini, ranked 49th, is in form after a quarterfinal appearance at Roland Garros. His entry marks a notable twist: one Italian replaces another at the Championships.

Season snapshot

The Rome setback has now cost Musetti two Grand Slams. He had already retired from an Australian Open quarterfinal earlier this year against Djokovic while leading two sets to love, also because of a thigh problem. With 13 wins from 20 matches this season, Musetti will aim to return on hard courts, having no ranking points to defend on grass after a first-round exit at Wimbledon in 2025.