It was a huge moment for Italian tennis as their star player, Matteo Berrettini, finally made a return to tennis for the first time since the US Open. He won his first match on his return to the Phoenix Challenger.
The Italian had always faced problems with his right foot, and after the US Open withdrawal, he hadn’t played a match. The entire world awaited his return at the Australian Open, but Berrettini needed more time and canceled his entry.
With a dropped ranking of 154, the Italian finally made a return at the Phoenix Challenger. Berrettini was up against Hugo Gaston in the first match, a tough way to begin a comeback. After a slow start, the Italian rushed right back into the game, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. He broke the Frenchman five times in the match to win the game.
This marked Berrettini’s first win in several months. It is a huge bonus for the Italian team, as they get back their most experienced player. While Berrettini rejoiced in an astounding victory in Phoenix, his compatriot Jannik Sinner is inching closer to another tournament win of the season.
Matteo Berrettini gets his first win since the US Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 13, 2024
He’s been dealing with injuries for a while.
Nice to see him doing some damage at the Phoenix Challenger.
pic.twitter.com/n2BF6pPO3n
Having not dropped a set all tournament, Sinner comfortably makes his way to the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells. Other than them, young Italian Luca Nardi also headlined with a win over Novak Djokovic.
Italian sensation Matteo Berrettini entered as an unseeded player but is still one of the favorites of the tournament.
He beat Hugo Gaston to register his first win since the 2023 US Open.
I’m just so happy. It’s been 10 years! It was so long. It’s been almost seven months since my last match. Said Berrettini during the post-match interview.
"Estoy muy feliz, parece que han pasado diez años desde el último partido. Gané, así que estoy feliz dos veces"
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) March 13, 2024
️ Matteo Berrettini pic.twitter.com/65AYFpqvBO
Along with the Italians, there are other top ATP stars featured. Christopher Eubanks and Sebastian Ofner also try their luck in Phoenix before the Miami Open or the tournaments in clay. Berrettini may face any of these players in the further rounds, as he would aim for a title win on return.
With 2024 being an Olympic year, it is a bonus for Team Italy to have their players rise through the ranks and return. All their players are in sublime form, posing a threat to the other teams.
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