Matteo Berrettini moved into the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters after Roberto Bautista Agut retired early in their match. The Spaniard threw in the towel after just 23 minutes on Court Rainier III. Bautista Agut’s retirement came while he was trailing Berrettini 4-0.
Bautista Agut’s Abrupt Exit
Bautista Agut, who gained entry to the main draw as a lucky loser, appeared to be struggling before his retirement. Commentator Nick Lester noted Bautista Agut was “a long way off” just before he stopped playing. Bautista Agut gestured to his team to indicate he was done. Lester speculated whether Bautista Agut was deciding whether to “pull the plug”.
After losing one more point, Bautista Agut approached the net to shake hands. Berrettini appeared to ask his opponent what was wrong. The umpire then announced Bautista Agut’s retirement.
Lester called it a “disappointing start to the day”. Co-commentator Gilles Muller expressed hope that Bautista Agut’s issue was “nothing serious” and that he would recover quickly.
Berrettini’s Quick Day at the Office
Lester pointed out that Berrettini “knows all about this” as he has suffered with injuries himself. He added that Berrettini would take the quick win. Muller suggested Berrettini’s coach would book a practice court to get some work done.
- Roberto Bautista Agut retired 23 minutes into his match.
- The score was 4-0 to Berrettini when Bautista Agut retired.
- Bautista Agut was a lucky loser in the draw.
Looking Ahead
Berrettini, a wildcard entrant, will now face seventh seed Daniil Medvedev in the second round. Medvedev received a bye into the second round.