Berrettini Stunned At Miami Open As Struggles With Form Continue

| by Alfredo Bassanelli

Matteo Berrettini arrived at the 2023 Miami Open hoping to turn his fortunes around after a string of disappointing performances.

However, his aspirations were left unfulfilled as American Mackenzie McDonald delivered a stunning upset, defeating Berrettini in a nail-biting match that went the distance in both sets.

Injuries plagued Berrettini throughout 2022, and his recent struggles have left fans and tennis enthusiasts questioning his form. Just weeks ago, he was ousted in the first round at Indian Wells by Taro Daniel. Undeterred, Berrettini entered a so-called second-chance tournament in Phoenix, only to face elimination in the quarterfinals.

Eager to reclaim his winning ways, Berrettini squared off against McDonald in the second round of the Miami Open. The match proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions with a great atmosphere. Despite being played in the United States, it seemed like it was contested in Rome in Italy as Berrettini enjoyed massive support.

Tsitsipas Walks Over in Miami As Gasquet Withdraws Last-Minute
Tsitsipas Walks Over in Miami As Gasquet Withdraws Last-Minute

The first set saw a fiercely contested tie-break after neither of the players could get ahead by breaking their opponent, with McDonald ultimately edging out Berrettini 7-6(8).

The second set mirrored the intensity of the first, culminating in another tie-break. Berrettini was tantalizingly close to forcing a deciding set, securing two set points in the 12th game. However, his inability to convert those opportunities allowed McDonald to clinch the set 7-6(5), sending the Italian packing.

As Berrettini's search for form continues, he must now shift his focus to the upcoming European clay-court swing. A strong performance on clay could help him regain his confidence and reassert his place among the tennis elite.

Casper Ruud Hopes To Turn His Season Around in Miami
Casper Ruud Hopes To Turn His Season Around in Miami

Read the full article

Just in

Look at more articles