World No 16 Matteo Berrettini acknowledged 2022 was a year full of adversity and challenges but he is remaining optimistic and believing that something good will happen. In March, Berrettini pulled out of the Miami Masters and underwent a hand surgery – the Italian then missed the entire clay season, including the French Open Berrettini, who returned to action at the start of the grass season, was with Novak Djokovic among the top favorites for the Wimbledon title.
On the day of his Wimbledon first round, Berrettini tested positive COVID-19. Then late in the season, Berrettini sustained a foot injury that forced him to miss the Paris Masters and he also wasn’t ready to represent Italy in singles at the Davis Cup Finals.
Berrettini on his year
“Although it has never been a continuous season due to injuries, the results have been very good. When I was well I played the best tennis of my life, unfortunately many things happened then. Let’s just say it’s been a hell of a year.
I got injured and was sad, but then I told myself I couldn’t wait for something to happen. On a mental level every time after a return I felt stronger and stronger than the previous time. And I think that was the most important thing,” Berrettini told Sky Sport.
Now, Berrettini is seemingly healthy again and ready to play at this week’s Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia. Berrettini is looking forward to testing himself in a strong Diriyah Tennis Cup player field. “I´ve never been to Saudi Arabia, but I´m sure the atmosphere will be great and hopefully the tennis will inspire the local fans in particular the younger generation.
After some challenges this year, I look forward to competing against a very strong player field to see where my level is before the start of the new season,” Berrettini said, per the tournament’s press release. In 2023, Berrettini will be hoping to stay injury-free for longer periods and potentially win his first Grand Slam title.
