Energized by his countrymen, Matteo Berrettini seeks strong final push in comeback season

Matteo Berrettini has his sights on being seeded at January’s Australian Open. A strong showing in Shanghai would help that cause greatly.

The Italian began proceedings Thursday in his first appearance at China’s biggest ATP tournament since 2019. Facing Christopher O’Connell, Berrettini prevailed, 7-6 (9), 7-6 (6), in two hours and 13 minutes.

The world No. 44 saved two set points in the opening tiebreak and broke back in the second set for 6-6 to avoid finding himself in a decider. Berrettini clinched the victory with a backhand drop volley winner, his first win at the Masters 1000 level in four attempts this year.

Coming in, Berrettini had withdrawn up a set during his second-round match last week in Tokyo with eventual champion Arthur Fils due to an abdominal issue. The 28-year-old is well versed with having to overcome injuries, especially following a trying 2023 season.

“When you're not able to do your job and what you like to do, then it's always a struggle. So I'm really appreciating every moment that I have to spend on court, to perform and give my best,” he told press in Shanghai.

“I know it's a process. I did a great job this year to build up again my ranking, and I'm feeling good, so hopefully a great end of the season as well.”

The former Wimbledon finalist has picked up three clay-court titles so far in 2024 and points to his fellow countrymen as a source of motivation. Seven Italians are ranked inside the Top 50, led by world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Wimbledon semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti.

“I look for their results to get the energy to come back. I'm always supporting them in the last year in Davis Cup to get the energy to come back,” he said.

“Obviously what Jannik is doing is unbelievable. He proved yesterday once again how his level is so high. I take inspiration from that, and I think all Italians do, and that's why we have so many players that are really good.”

In the second round, Berrettini takes on 12th-seeded Holger Rune. A win would bring the Rome native to 28-8 in tour-level matches on the season, as he aims to make a strong final push up the rankings.

“It would be nice to be in the top 32 at the end of the year and to be seeded in Australia. That's one of the goals that we gave, like in the group, in the team that I have,” shared Berrettini. “But at the same time for me the most important thing is being healthy and being able to play.”

Rune leads the pair’s head-to-head 2-1, battling back from a set down to win their opening-round clash at the Cincinnati Open in August.