Matteo Berrettini shines in his return to the courts at the Argentina Open.

Matteo Berrettini made a triumphant return to the circuit by winning his first match of the season at the Argentina Open, a tournament that marks his comeback to competition after a long period of inactivity. The Italian tennis player, who was a finalist at Wimbledon, defeated Argentine Federico Coria, a wildcard in the tournament, with a solid score of 7-5, 7-5. This match not only represents his first competition since his decisive contribution to the Italian team in the Davis Cup finals in 2025, but also comes after a tumultuous phase marked by injuries that forced him to miss this year’s Australian Open.

Currently ranked number 58 in the world, Berrettini is looking to regain the confidence and rhythm of play that he has been lacking due to months away from the courts. The decision to participate in the Golden Swing in South America, starting on Argentine clay, is a smart strategy to accumulate points and victories early in the season. The Italian, who has already won six titles on clay, stands out as a player who feels comfortable on this type of surface, including a memorable final at the 2021 Madrid Open.

The match against Coria was a true test of endurance and skill, especially considering that both players were returning from long absences. Coria, currently ranked number 322, had not competed since a Challenger in Bonn last August and had not participated in an ATP tournament since Marrakech in March 2025. The atmosphere in Buenos Aires was electric, with a crowd rallying behind the local player, which heightened the intensity of the clash. Despite the pressure, Berrettini managed to dominate the statistics, winning 78% of first serve points and 60% of second serves, securing three breaks of serve against just one from the Argentine.

“I trained really hard to come here. I really wanted to be in Buenos Aires. The atmosphere was great,” Berrettini said after the victory. “I think the match had its ups and downs, but I’m happy to be playing.” This return is not only a significant step in his recovery but also a sign that he is finding his way back to the top.

The journey of the Argentina Open was not limited to Berrettini. The day was filled with action, with other well-known names returning to the courts. The 2024 tournament champion, Facundo Diaz Acosta, suffered an unexpected defeat against Alejandro Tabilo, while the fifth seed, Daniel Altmaier, could not withstand the young Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who won decisively with a score of 6-2, 6-2. Another notable moment was the comeback of Tomas Barrios Vera, who, despite being down 4-6, 2-5 and facing three match points, advanced when his opponent retired due to injury.

The next step for Berrettini will be a challenge against Czech player Vit Kopriva, who has already advanced to the second round after defeating Alex Barrena. Wednesday also marks the debut of the defending champion, João Fonseca, who faces the dangerous Alejandro Tabilo, known for his victories over Novak Djokovic in Monte-Carlo.

Berrettini is determined to continue his journey in South America, with plans to participate in the ATP 500 Rio Open and ATP 250 Santiago Open, thus completing a series of competitions that could be crucial for his recovery and rise in the rankings. The future looks promising for the Italian tennis player, who is taking firm steps towards his resurgence in the world of tennis.