Matteo Berrettini wasn't sure whether he would even play Wimbledon this year but he's glad that he got the chance to do so.
The Italian has fond memories of the event having played in the final two years ago. He didn't go all the way because he got beaten by Novak Djokovic in the final but the dream remained. Wimbledon always felt like the Grand Slam he was most likely to win if he ever wins one because his style of play fits just well on the surface.
Four of his seven ATP trophies came on grass and the biggest final he ever played came on it as well. He didn't fulfill his dream last year either. After playing some amazing tennis leading up to the event (trophies in Stuttgart and Queen's) Berrettini tested positive for COVID before the event forcing him to withdraw. It was a devastating blow but he promised to return this year.
He's at the event and playing really well though it wasn't certain he would play. He was away from tennis for a while ahead of his return in Stuttgart and the return itself wasn't that great. Berrettini skipped over all of the other events until Wimbledon leaving fans wondering whether he would play. Ultimately he did opt to play.
I wasn't sure even if I was going to play. I flew here and I said maybe the atmosphere is going to help me a little bit. I was really not sure about it. Not because I didn't want to. In order to play a slam, you have to be ready physically, emotionally, mentally. There are many things.
The will is not enough. But then I have to say I did a great job with my team. We worked really hard. They let me decide. They told me, like, Has to be your decision.
A few days before the event, Berrettini was leaning towards not playing because he didn't think he was ready. The thought of missing a second consecutive Wimbledon was too much for him so he simply decided to give it a go and it's proving a really good decision.
Few days before, I thought, like, I'm not ready. But then I missed too many events in the last years. I couldn't leave this place without trying. That's what I said to myself. Like I said on court, I think this place has something special. It must be this place. I feel kind of energy I don't feel anywhere else. So yeah.
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