History-maker Matteo Berrettini signs off ‘unbelievable season’ with a win at ATP Finals

ATP Tour
Matteo Berrettini pointing

Matteo Berrettini capped off a brilliant 2019 campaign by becoming the first Italian to win a match at the ATP Finals as he beat Dominic Thiem in straight sets.

Having lost his first two matches at the season-ending tournament, and with Thiem already assured of a place in the semi-finals, the clash was a dead-rubber.

However, the 23-year-old produced his best display as he powered to a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 victory over the Austrian to become the first Italian to win a singles match at the event.

“I’m really proud of myself, but more for my team, my family, my friends. It’s been an unbelievable season,” Berrettini said. “I didn’t expect to be here at the beginning of the season. I hope to come back here next year.”

He added: “Against him, it was always going to be a great fight. I was able to stay mentally focused, as I lost my serve. But I played a great tie-break. I’m not feeling really great physically but I’m happy. There were a lot of tough moments this season, and my mum and my dad were close to me.”

World No 8 Berrettini won titles in Hungary and Stuttgart this year and also reached the semi-final of the US Open.

“Being here wasn’t a goal at the beginning of the year. Also before the US Open, I didn’t expect that. I wasn’t thinking about that,” he said.

“I knew that I was playing good in springtime, like [during the] clay season. It’s just crazy that it happened… I’m happy.”

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.

Matteo Berrettini

Latest