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The Guardian World1 min read
Love of tennis behind revival of injury-plagued Berrettini
TL;DR
Matteo Berrettini reached a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in nearly four years, defeating Juan Manuel Cerundolo. He emphasized his love for tennis despite struggling with injuries and falling to 105th in the world rankings.
Key points
- Matteo Berrettini reached a Grand Slam quarter-final.
- He defeated Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straight sets.
- Berrettini was once ranked world number six.
- He has struggled with injuries and is currently ranked 105th.
- He expressed his deep love for tennis despite challenges.
Mentioned in this story
Matteo BerrettiniJuan Manuel Cerundolo
French Open
A beaming Matteo Berrettini said tennis is the "love of my life" after reaching a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in almost four years.
Berrettini beat Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) to set up a French Open last-eight tie against Frances Tiafoe or Matteo Arnaldi.
The Italian reached a career-high world number six in 2022 but has slipped to 105th in the rankings after being plagued by injuries and fitness problems.
"[Tennis] is the love of my life, if it wasn't I wouldn't be here," Berrettini said.
"After all the setbacks, all the injuries, all the bad moments, I came back once again.
"There were moments where it was really tough to come back and play, because I wasn't ready and I wasn't sure about my confidence - now I feel great."
Berrettini is the lowest-ranked Roland Garros quarter-finalist since Igor Andreev in 2007.
Berrettini lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2021 Wimbledon final and was beaten in the Australian Open semi-finals the following January.
His last Grand Slam quarter-final appearance was at the 2022 US Open, and he has missed six of the following 13 majors through injury.
"There are so many players who are playing unbelievable tennis," said Berrettini.
"Tennis is unpredictable. The field is pretty packed and I'm trying to give my best, I'm focusing on my game and I want to enjoy this win."
Berrettini came through the longest match of his career in the previous round - saving two match points to win in five hours and 16 minutes - to signal injury issues might be a thing of the past.
The 30-year-old showed no hangover from that performance during his encounter with Cerundolo, as he raced through the opening set and came through a tie-break in the second.
Cerundolo threatened a fightback in the third when breaking for a 3-2 lead but Berrettini struck back for 5-5 and saved three match points before winning the tie-break.
Auger-Aliassime enjoying 'dream' run
Image caption,
Felix Auger-Aliassime has never previously gone beyond the fourth round at Roland Garros
Felix Auger-Aliassime, a two-time US Open semi-finalist, used his experience to come through a potentially tricky tie against Alejandro Tabilo 6-3 7-5 6-1.
Q&A
What was Matteo Berrettini's recent achievement in tennis?
Matteo Berrettini reached a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in almost four years.
Who did Berrettini defeat to reach the French Open quarter-finals?
Berrettini defeated Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (8-6).
What challenges has Berrettini faced in his tennis career?
Berrettini has faced multiple injuries and fitness problems, causing him to drop from a career-high world ranking of six to 105th.
What did Berrettini say about his love for tennis?
He stated that tennis is the 'love of my life' and expressed his determination to return after setbacks.
