Matteo Berrettini made a triumphant return to the ATP Rome 2025 tournament, claiming his first victory in front of a supportive home crowd. After a challenging match against Jacob Fearnley, which lasted nearly two hours, the world number 30 expressed his feelings about competing in the Italian capital and eagerly anticipated the return of fellow player Jannik Sinner.
Reflecting on his performance, Berrettini acknowledged the emotional weight of the match, stating, “It was a tough match for many reasons. Today, I didn’t demand from myself to play well but to be there, fight, and do what I love.” He admitted that due to limited training in recent weeks, he did not expect to perform at a top level but was pleased with how he managed to react under pressure.
The Italian tennis star also highlighted the significant role the audience played in his success, saying, “The crowd was amazing. The first excitement started as soon as I stepped on the court.” Berrettini, who had been away from the game for three years, noted the importance of this victory as a positive sign for his journey back to competitive play.
In discussing the anticipated return of Jannik Sinner, Berrettini remarked, “He will know very well how to handle everything. Jannik is super happy to be here… He’s the strongest player in the world.” His comments reflect an encouraging camaraderie among Italian tennis players, fostering excitement among fans for both their returns to form.
This narrative not only emphasizes Berrettini’s resilience but also paints a hopeful picture for the future of Italian tennis, especially with Sinner’s impending return to the courts. Both players seem poised to bring more thrilling moments to their supporters in the tournaments ahead.