By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday July 3, 2024
It takes quite a bit to knock Matteo Berrettini out of Wimbledon. How robust? Since 2019, he has solely been defeated by gamers ranked No.1 (thrice) or No.2 (as soon as) within the ATP rankings.
Second-ranked Roger Federer within the spherical of 16 in 2019; No.1 Novak Djokovic within the 2021 closing; No.1 Carlos Alcaraz within the third spherical final yr, and No.1 Jannik Sinner at present.
The standard of his vanquishers was of no comfort to the 28-year-old Italian on Wednesday evening at Wimbledon nonetheless. He entered the draw unseeded, at No.59 on this planet, and drew the unfortunate straw within the second spherical, identical to he did final yr (ranked 38), when he drew Alcaraz within the third spherical.
These Two 🫶
Nothing however respect after leaving all of it out on the courtroom 🇮🇹@janniksin @MattBerrettini #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/CPBa0Xw6IL
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 3, 2024
“It is at all times robust to be optimistic after moments like this,” Berrettini stated after falling to Sinner, 7-6, 7-6, 2-6, 7-6 on Centre Court docket. “I believe I performed an excellent match towards the No. 1 on this planet, and I had many probabilities. So I suppose what I’ve to take from this match is that the extent is there, which is one thing that I additionally at all times believed, however till you actually show your self, it is robust to really feel it, I suppose.”
Berrettini was spectacular all through the competition, and it was simple to see that he’s one of many high ten grass-courters on this planet (as his 41-11 total report on the surfaces attests), and mayb e increased. That stated, the loss stings, and the frustration that comes with watching peak years disappear in a stream of robust attracts and shut losses has not been simple on Berrettini.
The intense spot? Ultimately Berrettini is, lastly, well being.
“Through the match I assumed in regards to the match, not about accidents, not about my physique, not about this stuff,” he stated. “On the finish it was a matter of what number of matches like this I performed within the final yr. I really feel clearly happy with myself, however on the similar time clearly just a little bit unhappy for the consequence.”
