Matteo Berrettini he is a renewed man. The Italian lived a 2020 relatively convulsive, with many physical problems off the track that were aggravated by the stoppage due to the pandemic. He was barely able to play six tournaments, although the changes made to the ranking have allowed him to remain in a privileged position. World Top-10, the Italian spoke with the ATP about the past, present and future of his career. Also about the moment that Italy is going through, which is gradually moving towards the status of a tennis superpower.
“I remember that in 2018 I started the year being # 135 in the world, so now the players they look at you differently. When they look at your name in the box, they see you and they have an extra motivation to win since you are seeded. That is something that has changed, but I assume it without problems “, Berrettini confesses that after a leaden 2020 he has already made peace with his new status. “This has advantages and disadvantages and is something you have to get used to. Once you play more and more tournaments at In the end you end up taking it better. “
If something is clear to the Italian, yes, it is that looking at the ranking is useless. The positions fluctuate and vary, only your tennis and your work takes you to the top. “When you get into the top10, it’s clear that you’re not going to think you’re happy if you’re top20. It’s clear it’s not bad, huh. When I was a kid, I thought the top-20 was a good goal for my career. . I was top8 and it is clear that I want to be even better, but I got there without thinking about it. I have to work every day to improve that status. “
Italy, an increasingly powerful nation
Today, the Mediterranean country has four players among the top 40 in the ranking (Berrettini, Fognini, Sinner and Sonego). This honor is only shared France, which attests to the magnificent work done from grassroots tennis to create and export talent. Berrettini positively valued the data and highlighted the great atmosphere among all his compatriots. “This is something we should be very proud of. All those players are great guys, and those who come from behind are too. Italy has a very healthy environment For tennis to grow, we all have a good time when we train together. We are helping each other reach our goals and that is great for our country. “
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