Lorenzo Musetti Withdraws from Wimbledon 2023 Due to Thigh Injury, Matteo Berrettini to Replace Him
Italian tennis player Lorenzo Musetti has officially withdrawn from the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, citing a thigh injury sustained during the Rome Masters. The decision, announced via social media, marks the second consecutive Grand Slam absence for the 22-year-old, following his withdrawal from the 2023 French Open due to the same injury, according to ATP Tour reports.
Medical Evaluation Leads to Withdrawal Decision
Musetti revealed in a social media post that his recovery from a left thigh strain has progressed positively, with “encouraging medical results.” However, he emphasized that he has not yet completed a full athletic preparation program, stating, “After careful evaluation, we have concluded that I cannot compete at Wimbledon this year.” The athlete prioritized long-term recovery over short-term participation, aiming to return “at 100% of my capabilities,” as reported by ATP Tour.
Physicians overseeing Musetti’s rehabilitation confirmed the injury’s severity, noting that premature return could risk a prolonged absence. “The decision aligns with standard protocols for soft-tissue injuries,” said Dr. Marco Di Girolamo, a sports medicine specialist at the Italian Tennis Federation, in a statement shared by Tennis Italia.
Matteo Berrettini to Replace Musetti in Wimbledon Draw
Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, will replace Musetti in the men’s singles draw, according to a confirmation from the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Berrettini’s return to the grass-court tournament comes after a 2022 season affected by a wrist injury, making his participation a notable development for the 2023 event.
The substitution highlights the impact of Musetti’s injury on the tournament’s competitive landscape. Wimbledon’s official website noted that “the absence of a top-20 player like Musetti alters the dynamics of the draw, particularly in the second half of the bracket.”
Implications for Musetti’s Career
Musetti’s withdrawals from Roland Garros and Wimbledon underscore the challenges faced by young athletes navigating high-intensity tournaments. His 2022 season, which included a career-high No. 12 ATP ranking, was hampered by recurring injuries, prompting calls for a more cautious approach to workload management.
Experts suggest that Musetti’s decision reflects a shift toward prioritizing long-term career sustainability. “Players today are increasingly advocating for medical transparency and cautious return-to-play protocols,” said sports physiotherapist Dr. Elena Marchetti, quoted in Tennis World Italia. “This aligns with broader trends in professional sports.”
Musetti is expected to resume training in late July, with a focus on rebuilding strength and endurance. His next competitive appearance is anticipated at the 2023 US Open, pending medical clearance.