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‘It will stick in our minds forever’ – Matteo Berrettini dedicates ‘special’ Serbia Open title to his family


Matteo Berrettini dedicated his Serbia Open victory to his family after defeating Aslan Karatsev in a tough three-set final on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Italian beat the Russian 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (7-0) to triumph at the ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade for his fourth career title.

It was the first time the world No. 10’s parents were in attendance to see him lift an ATP trophy.

“It was something that I really wanted to happen, because my dad came once in Munich when I lost the final, and my mom has never come for a final,” Berrettini said in a post-match interview.

“So I was like, okay this is the right moment. And I think with a match like this it’s going to stick in our minds forever. It’s something special.

“I remember this same kind of match, 7-6 in the third, in the finals of an Under-16 in Germany. And it’s crazy, because in the end it’s the same feeling.

 

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“I was a kid and now I’m a pro, but it’s the same feeling. They [have] supported me since the day I was born, so it’s a great honour to bring them to these kinds of stages.

“Today I proved to myself that I can fight and I can digest tough situations. I’m able to handle really tough moments. There are moments that all athletes in general have, but I really put myself in the struggle without any fear.

“I came back stronger. Sometimes it feels nice to feel [that struggle] because I remember that I’m strong. I’m a good player, but I think I’m a stronger person.”

(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.