Italian world No.84 Matteo Berrettini has claimed his first title on the ATP World Tour after defeating Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(9), 6-4, in the final of the Swiss Open.
The 22-year-old, who won his first match on the ATP Tour earlier this year in Doha, outlasted his more experienced rival with the help of some blistering forehand shots. Bautista Agut was contesting his 15th tour final compared to his opponent’s first. Nevertheless, Berrettini managed to come out on top with the help of 17 aces as he didn’t face a single break point in the match.
“It’s unbelievable.” A shocked Berrettini said immediately after the match.
“I would like to congratulate Roberto for a great week. This time I won, but in the next tournament I hope to also play against him in the final.”
Throughout the 107-minute encounter there were little disparity between both players with no breaks of serve occurring until the final game of the match. During the first set, a tense tiebreaker saw Berrettini save two set points, of which one was a double fault from the Spaniard, before clinching it 13-11.
During the second frame Berrettini continued to apply pressure onto Bautista Agut, who received two medical time outs for attention on his arm. Nevertheless, the Spaniard continued to fight until the underdog battled to his first match point. Converting it with a blistering return that forced an error from the second seed.
“Matteo has a great future.” Said Bautista Agut. “He has played an amazing week and he has a great career coming up.”
Berrettini’s breakthrough week in Gstaad has seen him win all 49 of his service games. Hitting a total of 50 aces during all five of his matches, including 13 against Bautista Agut alone.
“I’m really happy. I think I have played the best week of my life (at the Swiss Open). I hope that this will be the first step to a great career.“ He said.
As a result of his win, Berrettini is set to enter the world’s top 60 for the first time on Monday. He is the third Italian player to win an ATP tournament this season after Fabio Fognini and Marco Cecchinato.
