Matteo Berrettini says he has found new sources of energy and motivation as he is hoping to turn his season around at the Monte Carlo Masters. In 2022, Berrettini was hit by several setbacks – he had hand surgery in March and he also tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before his Wimbledon first-round match.
After a challenging 2022 season, Berrettini’s struggles continued at the start of the 2023 season. Berrettini disappointingly exited the Australian Open in the first round, while he also lost his openers at the Masters events in Indian Wells and Miami.
But this Monday, Berrettini kicked off his clay season with a 6-4 6-2 win over Mackenzie McDonald in the Monte Carlo Masters first round.
Berrettini: I think I’m on the right path now
“I think I’m on the right path. In my career, I have come back many times from injuries or moments where I wasn’t feeling the best.
In the last few months I kind of like had to deal with all the stuff that I had in the last years. And at a certain point, I’m looking at myself and I felt empty a little bit, the tank was empty, and I had to find a new energy, new goals, new motivation.
I’m glad that I’m here, smiling again,” Berrettini said on Tennis Channel.
” I am glad that I am here and smiling.” ð@MattBerrettini | #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/ftDPQZXh9p — Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 10, 2023
Berrettini saved a break point against Cressy in the sixth game, before earning the first break of the match in the following game.
In the ninth game – when Cressy was serving to stay in the first set – Berrettini had two break points but didn’t realize. Leading 5-4 and serving for the first set, Berrettini was able to close out the set after converting his third set point.
After winning the first set, Berrettini started the second set with back-to-back breaks and a 4-0 lead. Up by a set and a double break, Berrettini routinely held on to his serve for the rest of the match to complete a two-set win.
