Defending champion Matteo Berrettini withdraws from Queen’s due to abdominal injury – ‘I’m really sad’

Defending champion Matteo Berrettini has withdrawn from Queen’s with an abdominal injury.

Berrettini would have been going for a hat-trick of titles at the West London event after also triumphing in 2021, but has suffered an injury-pockmarked 2023, and appears to have a problem in a similar area to the complaint that kept him out of the recent clay-court season.

Berrettini returned to action at the Stuttgart Open earlier this month, but lost heavily in his first match against fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego, and looked to be in tears as he left the court.

“I’m really sad to have to withdraw from the tournament, and not get the chance to defend my title,” Berrettini said.

“I wish the tournament and everyone involved a successful week. I look forward to coming back next year.”

The action at Queen’s kicks off on Monday, with British No. 1 Cameron Norrie starting against Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday.

Of his upcoming appearance in London, Murray said: “It’s been one of my favourite places to play over the years.

“Unfortunately I had to miss last year, I picked up an injury the day before the tournament which was unfortunate, but I’m feeling good this year.”

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