Matteo Berrettini had an exceptional year on the ATP Tour, steadily climbing the world rankings. After battling injuries in recent seasons, he surged back into the top 40 in 2024. His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was nominated for 'Comeback Player of the Year' along with Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic. This year, he achieved remarkable success by winning three ATP Tour titles, a feat only surpassed by his compatriot Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Titles in Morocco, Switzerland, and Austria propelled the former Wimbledon finalist to a ranking of 34, bringing him closer to being seeded at Grand Slams once more. He ended the year on a high note, impressing at the Davis Cup Finals where Italy defended their title in dominant fashion.

Matteo Berrettini's Rise and Tennis Idols

Berrettini's Strong Year on the ATP Tour

Matteo Berrettini's 2024 on the ATP Tour was a story of perseverance and success. Despite facing injuries in the past, he managed to make a remarkable comeback. Winning three ATP Tour titles, including those in Morocco, Switzerland, and Austria, showcased his talent and determination. His rise back into the top 40 and his proximity to being seeded at Grand Slams demonstrate his growing stature in the tennis world.His performance at the Davis Cup Finals was a testament to his ability to perform on the big stage. Italy's dominant defense of their title further added to his achievements. This year has been a turning point for Berrettini, and he is now looking ahead to the 2025 season with renewed hope.

Berrettini's Tennis Journey and Family Influence

Berrettini's love for tennis began at a young age, but it wasn't an easy start. His family played a crucial role in pushing him into the sport. When he was three, they gave him a tennis racket, but he didn't like it and stopped playing. However, at eight, his younger brother Jacopo convinced him to come back, and they started playing together for hours. Whether with balloons or small or big rackets, they had fun and laid the foundation for his future in tennis.Jacopo Berrettini is currently ranked 318th in the world and had a career-best year on the Challenger Tour. Although they have had different levels of success so far, they both idolized two tennis greats when they were younger. Matteo preferred Roger Federer, while his brother chose Novak Djokovic.

Berrettini's Grand Slam Aspirations and Comparison with Sinner

Between 2019 and 2021, Berrettini was one of the top stars in Italian tennis, finishing the year inside the world's top ten on three occasions. However, in 2023, he struggled with injuries, and Jannik Sinner truly emerged on the ATP Tour. Sinner won the Australian Open and US Open in 2024, becoming the most successful Italian tennis star in recent memory and surpassing Berrettini's efforts.During the peak of his powers, Berrettini was a force to be reckoned with, reaching five Grand Slam quarter-finals or better in five Major appearances. He will be hoping to pass his fellow Italians and start competing with Sinner in the new year. His return at the Brisbane International on December 30 gives him a chance to kickstart his 2025 season on a high note.