Berrettini pulls out of Paris; Lucky loser Fognini to face the player he lost to in qualies
This is the ninth time since 2019 that two players who faced off in the final round of qualifying went on to meet in the main draw subsequently.
Berrettini and Fognini at the 2021 ATP Cup
Italy’s Matteo Berrettini has pulled out of the Rolex Paris Masters, which starts today, due to a foot injury and is hoping to return for the Davis Cup Finals next month.
Berrettini, ranked No 15 in the world, was seeded 13th in Paris and was due to play French qualifier Arthur Fils in the first round.
“I tried everything to be ready for Paris Bercy, but sadly I needed a bit more time. My focus is now on representing Italy at the Davis Cup Finals 💪🇮🇹🔨,” Berrettini posted on Instagram.
His spot in the main draw is now taken by fellow Italian and lucky loser Fabio Fognini.
Incidentally, Fognini was defeated by Fils in the final round of qualifying 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 and the two will meet once again in the first round of the main draw. Sunday’s match was the first between Fognini and Fils.
Fils, who is 18 years old, is a former junior world No 3 and reached the final of the French Open boys singles and won the boys doubles title in 2021. He is currently ranked No 308 in the world.
According to tennis stats expert, Jeu,Set et Maths, this is the ninth time since 2019 that two players who faced off in the final round of qualifying went on to meet in the first round of the main draw subsequently.
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