Matteo Berrettini has become the fifth Italian male player to reach the third round at this year’s Roland Garros with a 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-3 win after 2 hours and 41 minutes. Italian tennis has achieved an Open-Era record with five players qualified for the Round of 32.
Berrettini saved five break points in the opening game, but he was able to hold his serve. Harris earned the first break in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. Berrettini raised the level of his game and won four consecutive games from 2-4. The 2019 US Open semifinalist earned two breaks in the eighth game at 30 and converted his fourth break point at deuce in the tenth game to win the opening set 6-4 after Harris made a backhand error.
Berrettini did not convert a break point in the fourth game of the second set. Harris broke serve at deuce in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead and held his next two service games to win the second set 6-4.
Berrettini broke serve at 15 in the fourth game of the third set after Harris made two unforced errors. Berrettini won three consecutive points at 40-30 in the eighth game to win the third set 6-2.
Berrettini earned two break points at 3-2 in the fourth set with two backhand passing shots and a forehand error from Harris. The world number 8 player converted his first chance after a double fault from Harris. Berrettini held his serve at love to build up a 5-2 lead. Berrettini did not convert two match points at 5-3 40-15 and had to save a break point. The Italian player sealed the win on his third match point.
Berrettini hit 39 winners and won 73% of the net points. Harris made 48 unforced errors.
Berrettini will face German qualifier Daniel Altmayer. The winner of this match will play against either 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Roberto Bautista Agut or this year’s US Open semifinalist Pablo Carreno Busta. Bautista Agut eased past Attila Balasz 6-3 6-1 6-2.
Pablo Carreno Busta beat Guido Pella 6-3 6-2 6-1 in 86 minutes.
