Matteo Berrettini celebrates turning 30: “Wimbledon was the peak of my career and an inspiration for new generations”
Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini, currently in Madrid to compete in his first tournament as a thirty-something, opened up in an exclusive interview with Sky Sport, reflecting on his journey over the past 30 years, celebrated just a week ago. Berrettini did not hide his pride in the significant moments of his career and revealed the weight and responsibility he feels in being a role model for young tennis players who look to him as a reference.
“This is my first tournament as a thirty-something,” Berrettini began, visibly emotional. “Time passes at a speed that forces me to stop and think. I have this perception especially when I am involved in ATP projects and interact with much younger players, like Landaluce and Sakamoto, who are nearly a decade younger than me. Before, I was one of the youngest; now I realize that time has passed, but it has been 10 incredible years.”
Berrettini highlighted the pinnacle of his career: “The Wimbledon final in 2021 was, without a doubt, the most exciting moment of my professional life.” The Italian did not forget other episodes that marked his journey: “Winning the doubles titles in Stuttgart and at Queen’s, the Grand Slam semifinals — even those lost against legends like Rafael Nadal — and the victories in the Davis Cup are dreams I have realized alongside my teammates. These are emotions I will never forget.”
The Roman tennis player also spoke about the adversities he faced: “Returning to the circuit after injuries and forced breaks showed me my resilience. The ability to reinvent myself, even in the face of doubts and uncertainties, reveals the strength of my character. I am here, strong and firm, despite everything.”
Finally, Matteo Berrettini revealed his commitment to future generations: “I love seeing how tennis evolves and continues to surprise me. I want to be a support for younger players, sharing my experience and my advice. I identify with players like Flavio Cobolli and I try to convey to them that in this sport, there is no need to rush. The most important thing is to have fun and constantly improve. I only realized this over time, taking a crucial step in my mindset.”
Matteo Berrettini thus reaffirms his role not only as one of the great names in world tennis but also as a mentor and inspiration for emerging talents, proving that age is just a number for those with passion, determination, and a vision for the future.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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