WATCH: Casper Ruud consoles tearful Matteo Berrettini after his unexpected injury retirement in Italian Open

Tennis star Casper Ruud has consoled his opponent Matteo Berrettini after the Italian star's mid-match retirement from the ongoing Italian Open third-round game. The star player penned a heartfelt message for Berrettini on the court camera after he stormed to the pre-quarterfinals of the ATP 1000 Masters tournament. The Italian star has made his presence felt for the first time in the Italian Open since 2021.

The two star players showcased stellar performances in the tournament so far and were set to face each other in the fourth round of the Rome Masters 1000 clay court event. Ruud, who recently won the Mutua Madrid Open ATP singles championship after defeating Jack Draper in the summit clash, went on to win the first set by 7-5. He also had a stellar start of the second set, where he took a 2-0 lead over the Italian star before Berrettini chose to retire from the game due to severe abdominal pain.

The Italian star became tearful after he was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to pain. Meanwhile, his opponent and rival Casper Ruud showcased true sportsmanship and consoled him with a warm hug and some kind words to cheer him up in the game.

WATCH video here:

A sight no one wanted to see 😢

Berrettini is forced to retire and @CasperRuud98 is through to the last sixteen 🤝#IBI25pic.twitter.com/sVnF55Yx8A

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 12, 2025

Casper Ruud signs the camera after Matteo Berrettini is forced to retire from their match in Rome.

❤ pic.twitter.com/U95EHTmwJy

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 12, 2025

Also Read: Casper Ruud sheds light on harsh realities and mental toll of ATP tour after reaching into Madrid Open 2025 finals

Casper Ruud opens up on Berrettini's injury blow

The Norway-born star talked openly about Berrettini's injury blow in his post-match winning speech that melted tennis fans' hearts.

"I feel so bad for him because this is where he’s from, his home Masters 1000. I know he hasn’t played since 2021 because of other injuries. I know he’s worked hard to come back and now he gets another setback. I hope it’s not a long thing for him. I hope he can fix it soon and have a speedy recover. He’s a hell of a player," Ruud said.

Also WATCH: Iga Swiatek breaks down in tears after Madrid Open exit; Casper Ruud's kind gesture melts fans