Until this week, the last time Matteo Berrettini reached the third round or better at consecutive Grand Slam events was four-and-a-half years ago during the season he reached the Wimbledon final.
The 30-year-old Italian has been frustrated by numerous injury issues that have sidelined him during various stages in his career. He underwent hand surgery in 2022, followed by issues with his abdomen, oblique, ankle, right foot and hip. Even this season, he continues to be haunted by physical problems, with the latest being a hip injury that prevented him from playing his French Open quarter-final match last month.
However, Berrettini refuses to give in as he looks to stage another deep run at Wimbledon. Playing on Centre Court, he defeated French 20th seed Arthur Fils 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 to move into the third round. Making it the furthest he has gone at the Grand Slam since 2023.
“At the beginning of the season I was working really well. I had to connect a few dots in order to get results. I’m glad that I did that,” Berrettini said during his press conference.
“Sometimes sport needs a little bit of patience. I think I was patient enough, and I took the right decisions at the right time.
“I’m really pleased that the level is high; the intensity is high. The will of playing and enjoying my time on court is high. That’s what I was looking for. That’s why I’m happy.”
Berrettini has been ranked as high as sixth in the world and is a 10-time champion on the ATP Tour. He is the first man from his country to contest a Wimbledon final and the first to reach the last eight of every major event.
“When I was younger, I wanted to make it. I wanted to be better. Now in my way I have made it,” he reflected.
“The love for the sport is the same. The love for the competition, the love of pushing my limits, it’s always the same. I’m 30 now. I’m not 20 anymore. Life changed a little bit.
“Sometimes I like to think I’m the same kid who started playing tennis a long time ago.”
Berrettini’s career has certainly been about perseverance. Something he credits tennis for helping him learn.
“Tennis teaches you to be patient because you can play better than the opponent, but the break is not coming, the results are not coming, but you have to trust the process. Tennis, it’s about that.” He said.
Berrettini is one of four Italian men to make it through to the third round at Wimbledon. The others to do so are Jannik Sinner, Flavio Cobolli and Lorenzo Sonego. In the next round, he faces either Grigor Dimitrov, who has also battled with injury in recent months, or 15th seed Jakub Mensik.
“I know my level. I know I can win against anybody. I know I can make trouble for anybody, especially on this surface. I also know that I can lose matches,” he commented.
“This fine line between fear and confidence is really important in tennis.”
Berrettini is playing in his 26th Grand Slam main draw.
