Matteo Berrettini came back from one set down to beat Mariano Navone 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2 in 2 hours and 42 minutes in the semifinal of the Grand Prix Hassan in Marrakesh to reach his first final since October 2022, when he lost to Lorenzo Musetti in Naples-
The former world number 6 is playing in his fourth tournament on clay since 2021 Roland Garros.
Berrettini made his come-back at the ATP Challenger Tour in Phoenix, where he lost to Nuno Borges in the final. The Italian player lost to Andy Murray in the first round at the Miami Open.
Navone saved two break points in the second game before breaking serve in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead. Berrettini broke back in the sixth game to draw level to 3-3. Berrettini held a set point when he was serving for the opening set at 6-5.
The first set was decided by the tie-break. Both players traded mini-breaks. Both players went on serve until the ninth point, when Navone earned his second mini-break to clinch the tie-break 7-4.
Berrettini earned an early break in the third game of the second set to take a 2-1 lead. The Italian broke for the second time in the final game to seal the second set 6-3.
Berrettini broke Navone once more to open up a 5-2 lead and sealed the win with a double break on his first match point.
Berrettini won 77% of his first serve points.
“It’s been nearly three hours, so I am pretty tired, but I am really happy. I think it was definitely the toughest match of the week. Congratulations to him, he played a really solid match. The support was unbelievable. I am a little tired, but too excited for the final tomorrow”, said Berrettini.
Berrettini set up a final against defending champion Roberto Carballes Baena, who beat Pavel Kotov 6-4 6-2 to extend his winning streak to nine consecutive matches. Carballes Baena converted four of his six break points he earned. The Spaniard will chase his third title following his triumphs in Quito in 2018 and Marrakesh in 2023.
