Rumors of a bitter rift between Italian tennis stars Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Musetti have intensified following a strained on-court interview in Vienna and noticeable social media distance between the two former friends, though neither player has confirmed the speculation.
Vienna Press Conference Triggers Public Suspicion
Speculation surrounding the state of the relationship between Matteo Berrettini, ranked No. 48 in the ATP rankings, and No. 26-ranked Lorenzo Musetti went public during the Vienna tournament. Following his round-of-32 victory against Argentina’s Tomas Etcheverry, Berrettini was asked on court whether Musetti’s recent title win at the Lyon tournament served as an inspiration for him.
“Euh… are we live?” Berrettini asked the interviewer, appearing visibly surprised and uneasy on the court surface in the Austrian capital. After a brief pause, the 30-year-old Roman offered a concise reply: “I know he worked hard to come back and I think he deserves it,” before abruptly ending the exchange.
Tennis fans quickly noted the clipped delivery on social media platforms, compounding existing online observations that Berrettini no longer follows his compatriote on Instagram.
Speculation Links Musetti to Berrettini's Former Partner
Digital sleuthing among tennis supporters has fueled various theories regarding the apparent breakdown in rapport between the two athletes. Unconfirmed reports and online commentary point toward a potential romantic complication involving Berrettini’s past relationship, suggesting that Musetti became involved with Berrettini’s former partner while the couple was still together.
These explanations remain entirely speculative. Neither Berrettini nor Musetti has issued a public statement addressing the rumors during their participation in the Vienna tournament week.
The tension arrives alongside selection decisions for international team play. Berrettini was omitted from Italy’s squad for the Davis Cup finals scheduled for late November, whereas Musetti received a selection call-up from national team leadership.
Vienna Results Will Dictate Autumn Schedules
Both competitors remain entered in the ATP draw in Vienna, where on-court results continue to dictate their immediate autumn schedules. Official updates regarding Davis Cup roster adaptations or further player statements will arrive through tournament press briefings and official governing body announcements ahead of the international team event.
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