Italian professional tennis player Matteo Berrenttini has made waves with his talent and determination, both on and off the court. Ranked No. 6 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals in 2022, Berrettini has won several titles and even completed successfully at Wimbledon. He is the first man born in Italy to reach the quarterfinals or better at all four majors after earning his first Australian Open semifinal. With a career record 156-86 and 7 career titles, Berrettini has single-handedly increased viewership and interest in the sport of tennis for Italians worldwide.
Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Berrettini was introduced to tennis at the age of 3 by his parents Luca and Claudia who were avid fans of the sport and played professionally. His parents have been pivotal in Matteo’s training, offering support, seeking the best coaches, and fostering his passion for the sport. However, it wasn’t until the age of 14 that Matteo fully committed to tennis. It was at this point he began intense training and sought coaching by former ATP participant Vincezo Santopradre. Soon after, Berrettini won his first pro-level honor in Italy at an F30 tournament and he has been breaking records and achieving titles never held by Italians ever since.
Fans were not only the ones to take notice of the tennis pro’s impressive personality and attitude. Luxury brand Hugo Boss announced Berrettini as their brand ambassador in 2022, stating “Matteo incorporates what a boss stands for today: showing a strong will, making the right decisions, and inspiring people all around the world.” A percentage of the collection’s sales will benefit a charity launched by Berrettini for underprivileged children in Italy.
Unfortunately, 2023 has not been kind to the tennis star. Berrettini first dealt with COVID which forced him to withdraw from Wimbledon in 2022, after he suffered an oblique injury causing him to miss his beloved clay season in Rome, which is very sentimental to him. After a mindful turnaround and renewed determination Berrettini’s performance at Wimbledon 2023 was exciting and impressive, as he beat Alex de Minaur and Alexander Zverev, eventually losing to Carlos Alcaraz in 4 sets.
Berrettini continued to improve his game and gain wins until the 2023 US Open where he experienced a horrible fall while facing Arthur Rinderknech on August 31. The fall resulted in such severe pain for Berrettini could not walk off the court and was later determined to have a ruptured ligament. This was especially disheartening because Berrettini is now unable to represent Italy in the Davis Cup and is only hopeful that he might be able to return to the ATP Tour to participate after the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters the first week of October.
Tennis fans old and new tensely await updates to hear when this revered pro will be able to represent Italy once again on the court with the determination and style that so many have come to admire.
