Matteo Berrettini returned to tennis in Hangzhou after three months out.
Having last played a match at Wimbledon, Berrettini returned from injury at the Hangzhou Open in China.
In straight sets, Berrettini lost to Dalibor Svrcina 3-6, 3-6, in the first round.
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The 29-year-old showed some positive signs in both sets, but couldn’t quite keep up with the ATP world number 99.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 season, Italian tennis legend Paolo Bertolucci has shared his concerns about Berrettini.
Paolo Bertolucci is concerned Matteo Berrettini could suffer another injury if he plays too many matches
Speaking to Adnkronos, Bertolucci gave his verdict on Berrettini’s return from injury.
“In some ways, it would be better for Matteo [Berrettini] to play the qualifiers, so he can play more matches. However, by entering the main draw, he risks playing only one a week,” he said.
“That said, it shouldn’t be forgotten that upon his return, you have to be careful because by cramming in too many matches, there’s the fear of another injury.
“Only he and his coach know what to do.”
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Bertolucci was then asked about the possibility of Berrettini dropping down to play smaller tournaments, such as Challengers.
“Many have done it, but maybe he’s afraid that playing three qualifying matches and a couple more in the main draw in the space of 4-5 days is too much,” he said.
Berrettini last played a Challenger Tour event in 2024, when he reached the final in Phoenix, Arizona.
2024 Phoenix 1R – Matteo Berrettini defeated Hugo Gaston2024 Phoenix 2R – Matteo Berrettini defeated Arthur Cazaux2024 Phoenix QF – Matteo Berrettini defeated Terrence Atmane2024 Phoenix SF – Matteo Berrettini defeated Aleksandar Vukic2024 Phoenix F – Matteo Berrettini lost to Nuno Borges
The 74-year-old suggested how long it will take for Berrettini to get back up to speed.
“Berrettini has played very few matches in 2025 and has essentially been sidelined for four months. Anyone who thought he could show good quality upon his return is deluded,” said Bertolucci.
“What matters is that he’s resolved his physical problems. But if he doesn’t play at least ten matches, it’s pure utopia to think he’ll be playing at a certain level.”
Berrettini might not get to play ten matches before the end of the year, but he will hope to win his first match back at his next ATP tournament.
Matteo Berrettini will compete at the Japan Open
Heading east, Berrettini will now set his sights on the Japan Open in Tokyo.
The Italian has only played the event once before, competing as an unseeded player in 2024.
Defeating the qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp in round one, Berrettini met the talented young Frenchman Arthur Fils in round two.
After losing the first set in a tiebreaker, Berrettini retired from the match with an abdominal injury.
The defeat aged well, however, as Fils proceeded to win the title, picking up wins over Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Holger Rune in the Japanese capital.
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
Berrettini will be looking for a better showing in 2025, although he may already have one eye on a return to Europe.
After playing in Tokyo and Shanghai, the Italian will travel to Sweden for the Stockholm Open ATP 250 event.
Competing in a ‘weaker’ field, Berrettini may fancy his chances of making a deep run.
Top eight seeds in Stockholm1. Casper Ruud2. Tommy Paul3. Ugo Humbert4. Denis Shapovalov5. Grigor Dimitrov6. Tallon Griekspoor7. Cameron Norrie8. Alexandre Muller
Only time will tell if Berrettini can make his presence felt in Stockholm later this year, but he won’t want to get too far ahead of himself, as he first focuses on the upcoming Japan Open.
The 2025 Japan Open will begin on Wednesday, September 24.