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 Area.
This wasn’t classic Berrettini—it was higher than that, Berrettini mentioned.
The 2022 AO semifinalist mentioned technically he’s a greater participant now than he was three years in the past, however concedes he had extra confidence then.
“I believe in that second I used to be feeling actually assured, however in case you have a look at some highlights and stuff. I do not suppose I used to be enjoying higher by way of strokes,” Berrettini mentioned. “Perhaps I used to be enjoying higher as a result of I used to be extra centered. I used to be extra, like, used to play sure sort of matches, however I really feel like my degree is up there.
“At present I believe I performed a extremely good match. My backhand I believe is healthier than three years in the past. My return is healthier than three years in the past. There’s nonetheless room for enchancment, fortunately, and it is only a matter of time and matches and alternatives to play towards the perfect 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 yr, and I noticed the previous couple of factors of the match,” Berrettini mentioned. “Clearly he is a terrific participant. We by no means performed in a slam. So it is fairly totally different, however on the similar time I do know it should be a troublesome match. However I really feel good. I really feel assured. I performed, I believe, a extremely good match in the present day. Prepared for the subsequent one.”