Matteo Berrettini will return to the 2024 Italian Open this year after missing it three years in a row, and he couldn't be more excited.
After struggling with injuries for a very long time, the Italian seems to be finally healthy and back to competing regularly. He won his first trophy back from injury at the Marrakech Open a few weeks ago.
He has not played much since then but will make a return this year at the Italian Open. He's from Rome so this ATP 1000 event is hugely important for him because his family and friends are going to watch him play.
It's also one of the few events that are held in Italy, so all Italian players naturally look forward to it. It's also one of the most beautiful tennis venues in the world, which makes everything that much better.
Speaking to the media ahead of the event, Berrettini expressed his excitement about coming back to the event. The last time he played in the Italian capital was in 2021, when he made the third round, losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
"I would have wanted to arrive in better [physical] condition. I'm doing everything I can to be ready for my match. I'm here because it's Rome. I hadn't been here in three years, and I missed it so much."
Berrettini's best run in Rome happened in 2020 when he made the quarter-final. Obviously, he's capable of doing better, and his recent clay performances have been pretty good.
He didn't get the easiest draw with his compatriot Stefano Napolitano, who has played really well in recent months, as his first-round opponent. It could be an interesting match, but if Berrettini is fully healthy and plays the way he can, then surely he won't have any problems with his compatriot.
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