Matteo Berrettini’s trajectory in professional tennis has been an intriguing mix of dazzling promise and frustrating setbacks, primarily due to injuries derailing what could have been a consistent run among the sport’s elite. The Italian prodigy’s ascent was swift and marked by powerful serves and aggressive baseline play that quickly caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Four years ago, his breakthrough moment came at Wimbledon 2021, a tournament that showcased his potential on one of tennis’s grandest stages.

During that remarkable Wimbledon run, Berrettini’s thunderous serve and forehand proved overwhelming for many opponents. He cruised through the early rounds with relative ease, dropping only one set before hitting his stride in the quarterfinals. There, he confronted a rising star, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and claimed a four-set victory that illustrated his composure under pressure. He continued his march into the semifinals by defeating Hubert Hurkacz convincingly, setting up a high-profile clash with Novak Djokovic in the final.

This final was a defining moment not only in Berrettini’s career but also in recent tennis history. He started strong, taking the first set via a nail-biting tiebreak, applying pressure on Djokovic who was chasing his 20th Grand Slam title—a milestone that put him alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Despite eventually succumbing in four sets, Berrettini’s Wimbledon performance was extraordinary. It marked the first time an Italian man reached a Wimbledon final, signalling a new chapter for Italian tennis on the global front.

However, the euphoria was short-lived. Post-2021, injuries began to cast a long shadow over Berrettini’s ambitions. His pained withdrawals from major tournaments were particularly disheartening for fans and analysts alike. In 2022, he missed three Grand Slams—the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon—due to a series of physical setbacks including wrist and muscle injuries. These absences not only cost him precious ranking points but also disrupted the momentum that had propelled him to the upper echelons of the sport.

Berrettini’s injury woes are a reminder of just how fragile a tennis career can be, especially for players who rely heavily on powerful serves and explosive movement—a style that often increases the risk of muscular and joint strains. His situation is not unique in tennis history; legends like Pete Sampras and Gustavo Kuerten also battled injuries during their primes, underlining the constant challenge athletes face to maintain peak form.

As the calendar turns to the US Open, beginning in late August, speculation grows about whether Berrettini can make a meaningful comeback. His preparation has been cautious, with a focus on recovery and regaining match fitness. What makes Berrettini’s potential resurgence compelling is not just his talent but also his mental fortitude. Nicknamed “The Hammer,” a nod to his powerful hitting, Berrettini has shown resilience in previous matches where the odds were stacked against him.

Historically, comebacks in tennis have often been fueled by both physical healing and psychological renewal. Consider Andre Agassi’s revival in the early 2000s after injuries and personal struggles, or Juan Martín del Potro’s battle back from multiple wrist surgeries. These stories offer hope to Berrettini’s supporters who yearn to see him harness that same fighting spirit.

For Berrettini, the challenge will be navigating a packed and grueling schedule laden with tough opponents, many of whom have thrived in his absence. Match fitness after extended layoffs often takes time to build, but Berrettini’s previous experience in championship rounds should serve him well under pressure. His success will depend not only on physical readiness but also on adapting his game to preserve his body—something he and his coaching team are reportedly prioritizing.

Italian tennis has been on the rise more broadly, with contemporaries such as Jannik Sinner making waves on the ATP Tour, highlighting a new generation of talent from the country. Berrettini’s return would not only bolster Italy’s position in men’s tennis but also provide a narrative of endurance and comeback that fans find irresistible.

Ultimately, while injury has paused Berrettini’s climb, it has not extinguished his hunger or potential. Tennis is a sport of momentum and resilience, and if Berrettini can put his physical setbacks behind him, his powerful strokes and competitive spirit could once again make headlines on the world’s biggest stages. Whatever unfolds at the upcoming US Open and beyond, his journey underscores the precarious balancing act athletes perform—between peak performance and vulnerability—making any successful return all the more inspirational to follow.