Matteo Berrettini has fond tennis reminiscences of Australia and is eager to hit type within the United Cup for Italy as a precursor to breaking via for his first grand slam win.
The 26-year-old world No.16 pushed Novak Djokovic all the way in which within the 2021 Wimbledon last. He misplaced within the semi-finals of the 2022 Australian Open when he took eventual winner Rafael Nadal to 4 units, as the primary Italian man to achieve the event’s final 4.
Berrettini and the Italian staff will play within the Brisbane group section of the blended 18-country United Cup staff occasion beginning on Thursday.
“I love to play in Australia. I like the conditions. I like the crowd…and the energy,” Berrettini stated after becoming a member of the Italian staff on a ship journey on the Brisbane River.
“I’ve always had good memories here. (Italy) also had a good run in the ATP Cup, reaching the final (in 2021), so it is nice to be here.
“Hopefully I’m going to construct up a whole lot of confidence from this occasion to have a long term within the Australian Open as properly.”
Berrettini said his performances at the pointy end of grand slams against Nadal and Djokovic had given him the belief he could go all the way in the Australian Open next month.
“I believe it’s also in regards to the expertise. The extra you play towards them the extra you discover ways to beat them,” he advised reporters.
“When I performed Novak at Wimbledon, I believe it was his thirtieth last in a slam. It was my first. Obviously he is a superb participant as properly, so it wasn’t a straightforward job.
“I felt, and I feel, super honoured to play against them. Hopefully next time I am going to win.
“I’m feeling extra assured and am having lengthy runs in slams.”
The Italian team at the United Cup boasts rising 20-year-old and world No.23 Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Berrettini in the final to win the Tennis Napoli Cup trophy in October.
“It was actually particular for us and for Italy basically to have a last between us. I’m fairly certain it isn’t going to be the final (last) we play towards one another,” Berrettini stated.
“We are pushing one another to get higher and higher … so once we play a staff competitors like this it feels good. It is a brand new occasion and we’re actually excited.”
