Matteo Berrettini feels that he will be a Grand Slam contender in 2023

James Richardson
February 14, 2023

Italy’s Matteo Berrettini believes that he can win a Grand Slam and is targeting a return to the top ten in 2023.

Berrettini reached a career-high sixth in the ATP Rankings IN 2022 after reaching the last four in Melbourne.

His season enjoyed some incredible highs, but also cruel injury and illness blows.

However, the former top-ten man is confident that he can find his best form and put his injury troubles behind him.

“I consider myself as one of them [top players],” he told Eurosport.

“I remember playing Alcaraz at the beginning of the year, and I felt that he is a great player and he had great potential. I didn’t expect him to go up that fast but he deserved it so good for him.

“At the same time, Novak and Rafa are always Novak and Rafa. They’re always going to be there.

“Age-wise I’m in the middle of them, but I feel that I can get back to that level, and obviously the goal is to get back in the top 10 and see from there.

“Last year, before the hand surgery I was at my best ranking. I was six in the world. I know that it is my level and I know I can get back there. Why not even better?”

After an injury-blighted season last time out, Berrettini is approaching the game in a cautious fashion, but he still has lofty goals.

“I see my chances of winning a Slam,” he said. “I was not that far from doing it in previous years. That’s for sure a goal.

“Obviously, I had to think about my health first because if there isn’t that it’s tough to play.

“But once you get there and you’re feeling good, then obviously the goal is to win a Grand Slam, to win a Masters 1000, to have long runs in the most important tournaments in the world and I think I can do that.”

A titlist at Stuttgart and Queens, Berrettini was denied a run at Wimbledon by COVID-19 just as he looked to be a strong contender.

Berrettini has won titles on every surface but has not claimed a championship higher than the ATP 500 level.

He suffered an early exit at the Australian Open but has been backed to have a big season on grass this term after being unlucky in 2022.

Matteo Berrettini