Berrettini’s Redemption: From Bedridden to Beating Zverev in Monte-Carlo Thriller
Matteo Berrettini pulled off a career-defining win at the Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday, overcoming top seed and world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in a stunning 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 comeback.
The Italian, now ranked No. 34, delivered an inspired performance at a tournament close to home — not just geographically, but emotionally too. Monte-Carlo hasn’t always brought good memories for Berrettini. Two years ago, he was forced to withdraw with an abdominal injury before his third-round match, bedridden and in pain, unable to move as he listened to matches playing out from his nearby apartment.
“I have this memory of when I got injured here,” the 28-year-old said after his win. “I was in bed, couldn’t move. My ab was really hurting — sneezing, coughing, everything was painful. I could hear the matches from my window. It was a tough day.”
That painful memory made Tuesday’s win all the sweeter. With the crowd behind him, Berrettini found an extra gear — especially in the deciding set, where he was broken while serving for the match but rallied back with a clutch 48-shot rally and a final break to seal victory.
“The crowd gave me so much energy,” he added. “It’s so important for us Italians. In tough moments, I tried to make them even louder. That helped me push through.”
Berrettini also credited his team and the support around him for helping shift the momentum, especially against a high-level opponent like Zverev. “I wasn’t feeling my best in the first set. Sascha was playing great tennis. I had to dig deep mentally, believe in my shots, and enjoy the fight.”
The former Wimbledon finalist now advances to round three, where he’ll face either Jiri Lehecka or fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti in what could be an all-Italian showdown.
