By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, January 13, 2025
Photograph credit score: Graham Denholm/Getty
Matteo Berrettini confirmed main muscle reminiscence in his Melbourne return.
Berrettini bombed 32 aces in a formidable 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 Australian Open win over Cameron Norrie on KIA Enviornment.
This wasn’t classic Berrettini—it was higher than that, Berrettini stated.
The 2022 AO semifinalist stated technically he’s a greater participant now than he was three years in the past, however concedes he had extra confidence then.
“I feel in that second I used to be feeling actually assured, however for those who take a look at some highlights and stuff. I do not assume I used to be taking part in higher when it comes to strokes,” Berrettini stated. “Perhaps I used to be taking part in higher as a result of I used to be extra centered. I used to be extra, like, used to play sure form of matches, however I really feel like my degree is up there.
“Immediately I feel I performed a very good match. My backhand I feel is best than three years in the past. My return is best than three years in the past. There may be nonetheless room for enchancment, fortunately, and it is only a matter of time and matches and alternatives to play in opposition to the most effective gamers on the planet.”
The 28-year-old Berrettini will play Thirteenth-seeded Holger Rune for a third-round spot.
Rune went the space in defeating China’s Zhizhen Zhang.
“Yeah, subsequent up Holger. We performed a few instances final 12 months, and I noticed the previous few factors of the match,” Berrettini stated. “Clearly he is a fantastic participant. We by no means performed in a slam. So it is fairly totally different, however on the identical time I do know it may be a tricky match. However I really feel good. I really feel assured. I performed, I feel, a very good match immediately. Prepared for the subsequent one.”
