Matteo Berrettini has made headlines once again, marking his return to the ATP Top 30 after nearly two years on February 24, 2025. This comeback has been particularly noteworthy considering the immense challenges he faced over the last year and a half, including injuries and fluctuated performance levels. Once ranked at 129th, Berrettini's ascent back up to the Top 30 is not only remarkable but, as his coach Vincenzo Santopadre remarked, "this is only the beginning."
Berrettini's re-entry to higher-ranked positions is proof of his resilience and skill. His climb was bolstered by the exit of Tomas Martin Etcheverry during the Rio Open, allowing Berrettini to snag the 30th spot. "Matteo has the qualities to stay at the top, but he has to find continuity," shared Santopadre, emphasizing his student’s capabilities. The coach underscored the importance of Berrettini's recent victory over tennis legend Novak Djokovic at Doha, which is seen as pivotal for his confidence and competitive spirit.
Despite the recent achievements, Berrettini faced disappointment when he was painfully ousted from the ATP Dubai quarter-finals by Tsitsipas, who won 7-6, 1-6, 6-4. The match showcased both players fighting fiercely, yet Tsitsipas had the upper hand due to strategic prowess and perhaps, a bit of luck. "The draw was enticing," noted sports journalist Giovanni Pelazzo about the circumstances surrounding the match, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament.
Post-match, Berrettini exited but did so with his head held high, affirming the improvements noted by many observers on his physical condition and gameplay. Coach Santopadre noted, "I’m sure he feels frustrated, which is actually good. If you’re still upset about losing, it means you still have hunger for victories. Every match is growth for him, and he doesn’t settle for less." This sentiment encapsulates not only Berrettini’s current state of mind but reflects his commitment to reclaiming his stature within the sport.
Looking forward, Berrettini is set to participate in the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 at Indian Wells, where he aims to defend the 90 points earned from his run to the finals at the Challenger of Phoenix last year. This will be followed by appearances at the Miami Open from March 19, where he has the additional challenge of defending the 10 points accumulated there last year, coinciding with the incident involving his fellow Davis Cup teammate Jannik Sinner.
A lighter note emerged when Berrettini participated in ATP Tour's humorous promotional activities, where players are asked playful questions about personal connections and preferences. When asked which fellow player he would take to 'Love Island,' Berrettini humorously excluded Tsitsipas from his list, citing the Greek’s girlfriend Paula Badosa's potential dissatisfaction with the choice. Instead, he mentioned Grigor Dimitrov and Andrea Vavassori, claiming they would appreciate the island vibes. "I think they’d have fun there," he added, injecting his characteristic charm and humor.
The tennis world is watching closely as Berrettini embarks on this new chapter of his career, filled with aspirations and potential triumphs. His determination and tactical gameplay are poised to guide him through the upcoming tournaments. With Santopadre’s committed mentorship and Berrettini’s own talents, fans remain hopeful for more electrifying performances from the Roman star.