Jacopo Berrettini said it was probably the best night of his life when he qualified for his ATP Tour main-draw debut at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC on Sunday. On Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old Italian went one better by winning his first tour-level singles match in front of a packed Court 1 crowd in Acapulco.
Berrettini led Oscar Otte 3-6, 7-6(3), 2-1 when the German retired with a knee injury. The Italian saved a break point in his opening service game of set two and grew into the match after the crucial hold, ultimately claiming the second set with brave a forehand winner up the line. The match ended after Berrettini went up a break in the third set.
Earlier on Tuesday, brother Matteo Berrettini also advanced in Acapulco — ironically, also via retirement after building a 6-0, 1-0 lead against Alex Molcan on the stadium court.
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Before his younger brother joined him in the last 16, Matteo reflected on Jacopo’s milestone moment from Sunday’s qualifying.
“It was really a special moment, obviously,” the elder Berrettini said. “Especially because he was having a tough moment the last couple of years, with COVID and for so many reasons. Also he got injured many times and he couldn’t really perform the way he wanted to. I was really happy for him.”
The brothers are staying together this week in Acapulco and sharing the same team at the ATP 500. While it has been rare for the two to compete at the same event, both are making the most of the opportunity.
Matteo was even able to watch his brother’s qualifying success from the sideline: “You could see my stress level was really high in the stands!” he said with a smile.
Jacopo reached a career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of No. 282 in 2021 and is now working his way back towards the Top 500. He took full advantage of a qualifying wild card this week, an opportunity for which Matteo made sure to thank the Acapulco organisers.
“It’s a privilege. It’s really nice,” Matteo said. “I have to thank the tournament obviously for the chance that they gave me and my family, and Jacopo as well. Really super happy to live this experience and looking forward to having more matches.”
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