ATP Finals London: Berrettini impressed by Djokovic
Although Matteo Berrettini suffered a clear defeat at the start of this year's Nitto ATP final against Novak Djokovic, the Roman can look back on an outstanding season. Until the beginning of 2018, Berrettini was a regular guest on the ATP Challenger Tour. By reaching the season finale in London, he became the first Italian since Corrado Barazzutti 41 years ago, this feat in singles succeeded.
by Florian Heer
last edit: Nov 10, 2019, 09:29 pm
By Florian Heer from London
Berrettini recorded 42 match wins and two title wins at the ATP tournaments in Budapest and Stuttgart this season. The Challenger Tour he outweighed the year before, when he advanced on home territory in Bergamo and in the US Irving each to the finals. Since then, the 23-year-old has established himself on the big stage of tennis. At high altitude in Gstaad, Switzerland, in July 2018, he was finally able to lift his first trophy on the ATP tour.
Djokovic too strong at ATP Finals debut
Berrettini confirmed his form this season, crowned by the top eight players of the year. The fact that it was not quite round in his first match in the imposing O2 arena in London was mainly due to his opponent.
"Novak has returned unbelievably," said the strong Italian. Berrettini, who faced Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Wimbledon and Paris Grand Slam tournaments, took on Serbia's five-time ATP finalist for the first time.
"It was very impressive. Novak played very well and has really moved a lot. He is like Rafa and Roger. They are the three best tennis players in history. I already learned a lot from Rafa and Roger. This will not be different this time. "
The excitement played a certain role in the debutants. "Of course I was nervous," Berrettini smiled. "Not in a negative way. When I go to the square, a little tingling sensation is necessary. Otherwise something is wrong and I can not get my best tennis. I think I did not start off badly, but Novak was better than me today. I accept the defeat and am now looking forward to my next match. "
Conditions are Berrettini
The number 8 of the ATP world rankings will still have to do with Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer in the Björn Borg Group. The conditions in Greenwich would have to meet the "hard hitter" Berrettini actually.
"The court here is pretty fast. The balls do not really jump up. It's difficult to get a good mix in the punches, especially with my forehand. All in all, I am very satisfied with the conditions here. The arena is great as well. I gained some experience during ATP University last year. But of course it's really nice when the audience is in the dark and the spot is on the players in the square. I also heard some Italian support. The whole environment was great. I'm proud to be here and hope to gain a lot of experience. "