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Matteo Berrettini Monte Carlo Masters 2021 Andy Murray
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‘I struggled but found a way to fight through’ – Matteo Berrettini advances in Rome


Matteo Berrettini spoke of the importance of playing well under pressure after edging past Nikoloz Basilashvili to reach the Italian Open second round.

The Rome-born 25-year-old won 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 against the big-hitting Georgian at the Masters 1000 event on Tuesday.

The world No. 9 – a finalist at last week’s Madrid Masters – saved three break points to hold for 4-3 in the third set, before converting a first match point for victory.

“Congrats to him, he played a really good match. I struggled, especially in the first set. But I found a way to fight through,” Berrettini told ATP Tennis TV.

“(Playing your best when it matters most) is something really important in our sport. Finding the right energy and right motivations.

“Also to be calm enough, to not shake too much. To not think, to (not) get tight. Of course, the more you play the more you feel comfortable in tough situations.

“So playing so many matches in the last few weeks helped me a lot, but it’s something definitely I was looking for. You always want to be clutch in the important moments.”

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.