Matteo Berrettini, the Italian tennis player, has seen his ranking drop from a career-high No6 last year to his current position at No22. Berrettini suffered a hand injury that caused him to miss the entire clay court season in 2022, but he returned to form on the grass, winning titles at Stuttgart and Queen’s. However, he was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament after testing positive for Covid.
Berrettini has been able to play a relatively full schedule this year, but he has not picked up many notable results. Some in Italy have suggested that his lack of form is due to his new relationship with girlfriend Melissa Satta. However, Berrettini has dismissed these claims, stating that he cannot conceive how a relationship can interfere with his job.
Berrettini has suffered from injuries in recent years, which he believes is the real source of his struggles. He has paid the price for playing many games and suffering from injuries. Despite facing criticism from the Italian media, Berrettini remains positive and sees it as a sign that tennis is one of the most popular sports in Italy.
Berrettini’s best performance this year came at the start of January when he helped Italy to the final of the United Cup. However, he lost in the Australian Open in five epic sets to an inspired Andy Murray. After a run to the quarter-finals in Acapulco, Berrettini was beaten by Taro Daniel in Indian Wells and Mackenzie McDonald in Miami, even losing in a Challenger quarter-final in between.
Berrettini is currently playing in the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 event and is into the second round after defeating Maxime Cressy 6-4, 6-2 in his opener. He will face Francisco Cerundolo on Court des Princes later in the day. Despite his recent struggles, Berrettini remains confident and focused on his performance.
