Matteo Berrettini thrilled the crowd at the Internazionali d'Italia on May 10, 2025, by defeating Jacob Fearnley with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (0). The match, held at the iconic Foro Italico, marked Berrettini's return to his hometown after a long absence, having not played in Rome since 2021. The atmosphere was electric as Berrettini showcased his talent with a stunning passing shot during the second set, which drew loud applause from the 10,000 fans in attendance at the Centrale.
Berrettini, who was seeded 29th in the tournament, entered the match with high expectations after overcoming an abdominal injury that had forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open earlier this month. He faced Fearnley, ranked 57th in the world, who had previously eliminated Fabio Fognini in the first round. This encounter was particularly significant as it was the first time the two players had met on the ATP tour.
"I missed you!" Berrettini wrote on the camera after his victory, expressing his joy at returning to play in front of his home crowd. The match began at 11:00 AM local time, kicking off a day filled with exciting tennis action on the Campo Centrale. Fans were eager to see how Berrettini would perform after his time away from the court, and he did not disappoint.
In the first set, Berrettini demonstrated his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, quickly taking control of the match. He managed to break Fearnley's serve early on, establishing a lead that he maintained throughout the set. Fearnley, however, was not to be underestimated. The British player showed resilience and skill, managing to hold off Berrettini’s advances and pushing the set to a competitive finish.
The second set proved to be even more thrilling. With both players showcasing their best tennis, it became a battle of nerves as they exchanged games. Berrettini’s experience shone through, especially during critical moments, as he executed a series of impressive shots, culminating in that remarkable passing shot that left the crowd roaring.
As the set progressed, Fearnley fought back, pushing the match into a tiebreaker. However, Berrettini's confidence was palpable, and he dominated the tiebreak, winning it decisively 7-0. The victory not only advanced him to the next round but also solidified his status as a fan favorite in this tournament.
Berrettini's return to the Foro Italico has been highly anticipated, especially considering his previous performance in 2020 when he reached the quarter-finals. His absence from the tournament since then has left fans eager to see how he would fare against the rising stars of the ATP.
Following his victory, Berrettini expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support, stating, "Playing here in Rome means everything to me. I’ve missed this place, and I’m so happy to be back on this court. Thank you for your incredible support!" His words resonated with the crowd, further endearing him to his local supporters.
Looking ahead, Berrettini is set to face a tougher challenge in the next round as he aims to continue his journey in the prestigious Masters 1000 event. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if he can replicate this performance and advance further in the tournament. With his blend of power, precision, and crowd-pleasing shots, Berrettini is certainly one to watch.
The Internazionali d'Italia is known for its competitive field, and this year is no exception. With top players from around the world, the tournament promises to deliver more thrilling matches as it progresses. As Berrettini moves forward, he will undoubtedly face formidable opponents, but his performance against Fearnley has set a high standard for what’s to come.
In conclusion, Matteo Berrettini’s victory over Jacob Fearnley at the Internazionali d'Italia was a testament to his talent and determination. His electrifying performance and heartfelt connection with the crowd highlighted why he is one of the most beloved players in tennis today. As the tournament continues, fans will be eagerly watching to see how far Berrettini can go in his quest for glory on home soil.
