Matteo Berrettini won his second trophy of the 2024 season at the Swiss Open in Gstaad by beating Quentin Halys in two sets.
The Italian hasn't had much success in recent years, but very little of that had to do with his tennis. He didn't have much success on the ATP Tour because he hasn't played that much, often struggling with injuries
He played 45 matches in 2022, which is a fair mark, but then played only 26 matches in 2023. This year, Berrettini is up to 26 matches so far, but he also missed time earlier this year.
When he did play, he played exceptionally well, as highlighted by his two trophies this year. His first triumph came earlier this year in Marrakech, only a few weeks into his comeback. His second win came this week in Gstaad, and it is a special place for him.
Berrettini won his maiden ATP trophy at this event in 2018, and for that reason alone, it will always be a special place for him. After the final match this year, he referenced that win in 2018, noting that it feels like yesterday, but it's been quite a few years since then, and a lot has happened.
"It feels unbelievable. It feels like it was yesterday that I won my first title here six years ago, but a lot of matches and a lot of things happened. I’m just so glad that I can keep playing and enjoying, and I think I found the energy of six years ago during this week. This place is special for me. I’m just so happy."
Berrettini was heavily favored in the final this year because his opponent was standing in his first final. He also had a really strong week behind him, and it's just an event that plays well for the Italian.
Speaking after the match, he noted that he was proud of the way he handled everything this week, including the final against a hugely motivated player.
"It was his first final, so for sure a lot of thoughts you might think in those moments, especially when you stop and you just got broken. At the beginning, I was trying to figure out how to play, because during the week the conditions were really different."
The match didn't end up being that complicated for the 28-year-old, who cruised in the first set and simply smashed his opponent in the second, winning the match 6-3, 6-1.
A short rain delay in the first set disturbed Halys' rhythm, and he never recovered. The conditions were tricky to handle all week long, but after coming back from the delay, Berrettini flourished.
"Every day was different. It was really windy, then it was a bit wet, and today was really cold and drizzling. It took me a little bit. I was able to not get broken from 0-40 and I think from then on I found the right energy. I think when we stopped, I came back on court and found the perfect [rhythm]."
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