Wimbledon, Matteo Berrettini moved: “I didn’t think I could play like this”

A splendid victory, greeted with a hint of emotion.

Matteo Berrettini enjoys the extraordinary victory over Alexander Zverev and is already aiming for Carlos Alcaraz, his opponent in the round of 16 scheduled for next Monday on Wimbledon’s center court. All his emotion shines through in the words he told in the heat after his 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) win over the German, complete with a confession about the darkest days he has had in the past few months.

“I honestly don’t know what to say, it’s unbelievable,” explained an excited Berrettini. “I didn’t think I could play a match like this, there must be something special in the air at Wimbledon. Last year I couldn’t play, but I stayed here despite the Covid. This is a tournament that changed my career, and it is still special for me to be here and to have won today on this court.”

The Roman also pointed out that his personal marathon at Wimbledon in recent days has not weighed on him at all, compared to his recent setbacks. “I spent many days in bed crying,” Berrettini revealed, “so playing five days in a row now is nothing. This is something maybe sad, but true. Playing I had missed so much, I found extra energy thanks to this audience that supported me. So I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Now the focus goes to the next opponent, the great Carlos Alcaraz. “I think I can’t say anything about him,” was Berrettini’s comment, “The last time I faced him was two years ago, and he has won so much in the meantime. I think I will enjoy every single minute of our challenge. I will do it step by step, point by point, but I will finally be able to catch my breath tomorrow. I want to recover the best I can to face Carlos on Monday.”