Rafael Nadal explains why he’s wary of Matteo Berrettini ahead of US Open semi-final clash
Rafael Nadal is expecting a tough match when he meets Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals of the US Open, but he says he is going into it with confidence.
Berrettini is a surprise name in the last four of the competition, but he put on a tremendous exhibition of big-hitting as he won an epic five-set quarter-final against Gael Monfils on Wednesday.
The Italian had never made it further than the fourth round of a Grand Slam before this week, but that does’t mean Nadal will take him for granted
“I saw him (Berrettini) play,” Nadal said after beating Diego Schwartzman in his quarter-final.
“Big serve, big forehand, moving well. He’s making big steps forward every week.
“Tough match but this one gives me confidence. Now is the moment to keep going. Rest and practice a bit tomorrow and I hope to be my 100 per cent for the semi-final.”
Rafael Nadal’s incredible 2019 season continues
AusOpen F
(Acapulco R2)
Indian Wells SFs
Monte Carlo SFs
Barcelona SFs
Madrid SFs
Rome W
Roland Garros W
Wimbledon SFs
Montreal W
US Open SFs*11 tournaments, reached 10 semifinals or better.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 5, 2019
For Berrettini, of course, Nadal is much less of an unknown quantity.
“I saw, like, a hundred of his matches,” Berrettini said as he humoured the interviewer. “Who in this tour doesn’t know Rafa?”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsPositive Covid cases on flights to Australia put 47 players in 14-day quarantine
Three people across two chartered flights carrying the Open hopefuls tested positive for coronavirus upon their arrival in Melbourne.
-
Tennis NewsBernard Tomic still has drive to compete, saying ‘I don’t need to play tennis again, I’ve got enough money’
“I’m risking my life, and I’m playing and competing.”
-
Tennis NewsDominic Thiem: ‘My wish for 2021 is to win a second Grand Slam title’
Dominic Thiem eyes a second Grand Slam trophy.
-
Australian OpenVIDEO and PICS: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams among tennis stars to arrive in Australia
This way for a video and pics of arrivals in Australia.
-
Australian OpenOfficial insists no special Australian Open treatment for Andy Murray after positive COVID-19 result
Andy Murray warned he won’t get preferential treatment.
-
Australian OpenMadison Keys latest player to miss Australian Open charter flight after testing positive for coronavirus
Madison Keys unlikely to play at Australian Open.
-
Australian OpenAndy Murray in race against time to play at Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19
Andy Murray tests positive for coronavirus – report.
-
NewsAndy Murray Australian Open appearance in doubt after positive test for Covid
Murray is hoping to be able to arrive in Australia at a later date.
-
Australian OpenDominic Thiem’s coach tests positive for COVID-19, but hopes to link up with Austrian ‘soon’
Nicolas Massu hopes to fly Down Under in a few weeks.
-
ATP Tour‘It feels great,’ says Hubert Hurkacz after starting 2021 with Delray Beach Open trophy
Hubert Hurkacz captures second ATP Tour title.