Matteo Berrettini

The 2021 edition of Wimbledon saw Novak Djokovic pull off a stunning triumph to showcase his calibre and ability to compete for the greatest prizes in the world of tennis. However, it also witnessed another incredible feat as Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian man to reach a grand slam final, since Adriano Panatta won the 1976 Roland Garros title. Berrettini had won the biggest title of his career so far going into the tournament, having won the Queen's Club Championships, which marked his first triumph on the ATP 500 level. The Italian had become the first player from the nation to win the prestigious title, as well as the first debutant to register a triumph at Queen’s Club. Berrettini had to face his fair share of competition during the course of the tournament, after registering a win against Andy Murray and 6th seed Dan Evans in the quarterfinals. However, a triumph against Cameron Norrie in the final, ensured a classic victory that enabled him to deliver a fine display in Wimbledon. Berrettini ensured a comfortable qualification on to the quarterfinal, with a win against Ilya Ivashka. The Italian maintained the surge trumping Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets to become the first Italian man in the Open era to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals. Berrettini however was not content with this, sailing into the final following a win against Hubert Hurkacz to emerge as the first player from the nation to reach a Wimbledon singles final.

The Italian has won five singles career titles so far, showcasing his prowess when handed an opportunity. He has finished as the finalist in three singles career finals, which is certainly praiseworthy. Berrettini is however showing no signs of stopping, as evident from his statement following the defeat against Djokovic.

“The most important thing for me is that right now I'm losing against the best players in the world. In Paris, I lost against him [Djokovic], and he won the tournament. In Queen's, I won, and then I lost against him again here. It means that my level is growing. It means my weapons and my tennis, in general, is growing. That's the right path. That's the right thing that I'm doing," said the Italian in an interaction with atptour.com.

“It means that I'm there. It means that I deserve to be here. Today, again, Novak was the better player on court, but I'm getting closer. Every match that I'm playing against them helps me to get closer," he added.

One of Berrettini's biggest weapons is his forehand, which has been hailed for its speed, spin and depth with the Italian known to dominate opponents using the same effectively. The Italian further enjoys an aggressive approach, with his strong and fiery serve considered a key weapon in this regard. Berrettini looks to setup quick points and put pressure on the opponent through shrewd transitions in gameplay. The player is also developing enhanced mental strength as evident from statements by WTA standout Ajla Tomljanovic while interacting with atptour.com.

“I actually think what’s most impressive about him is his mental side. Obviously his serve, his forehand, his game is great. But I think the way he approaches the game mentally, how he deals with adversity on court during matches [is most impressive]. He works for a lot of things that come his way and I think that’s really impressive, because I can relate to feeling similarly on the court," she said.

Grand Slam singles record

Australian Open: 4R (2021)

French Open: QF (2021)

Wimbledon: F (2021)

US Open: SF (2019)