Matteo Berrettini Eyes Strong Finish in Comeback Season
With three victories under his belt in 2024, Matteo Berrettini hopes to round off his season strong and get a seeding for the Australian Open in 2025. He would get there with a deep run at the current Masters 1000 in Shanghai, and things were going well for him early on.
The Italian No. 44, making his first trip back to Shanghai since 2019, began his campaign on Thursday by defeating Christopher O’Connell 7-6 (9), 7-6 (6) over the course of more over two hours of play. In the first tiebreak, Berrettini saved two set points. In the second set, she rallied to force a second tiebreaker. Berrettini won the match with an incredible backhand drop volley. After four efforts this year, this triumph was his first at the Masters 1000 level.
Recovering from Injuries
The theme of Berrettini’s 2024 season has been perseverance. Due to an abdominal ailment, the 28-year-old Italian was forced to retire from the Tokyo Open last week while leading a set against eventual champion Arthur Fils. Following an arduous 2023 season beset by setbacks, Berrettini is no stranger to the challenges of maintaining fitness. It’s always difficult when you can’t do what you enjoy doing and your job. Thus, I truly value every second I get to spend on the court, giving it my all,” Berrettini said to the Shanghai media.
Trying for a Powerful End
Berrettini feels upbeat about his season’s last stretch despite the setbacks. “I am aware that it takes time. I feel well and performed a tremendous work this year to improve my ranking, so maybe I’ll have a nice finish to the season as well,” he continued. He is motivated to finish 2024 strong and position himself for the forthcoming Australian Open with a bright outlook and fresh vigor.
Driven by the encouragement of his compatriots and his own will to regain his best form, Berrettini’s run in Shanghai is more than simply a match; it’s an important milestone in his path back to recovery.
