“I Was Destroyed but…,” Matteo Berrettini Shares Intimate Game Secrets With F1 Champ Ollie Bearman After an Exhilarating Victory at Monte Carlo
Matteo Berrettini is officially back—and how. Nearly 29 and swinging with renewed fire, the Italian star arrived in Monte Carlo with momentum, fresh off a solid Miami Open run. But on Tuesday, he took things to a new level, stunning World No. 2 Alexander Zverev in a nail-biting three-set battle: 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.
The crowd on Court Rainier III was electric, living every point of the power-packed clash. And watching it all unfold from the stands? None other than Formula 1 rising star Ollie Bearman.
The Monte Carlo Masters is known for drawing crossover star power, and this year was no different. Nineteen-year-old Bearman, Haas’ F1 rookie, chose the perfect match to witness—and after Berrettini’s gutsy win, the two athletes shared a wholesome courtside moment that fans couldn’t get enough of.
In a video shared by the tournament, the duo is seen chatting post-match. “I’m tired,” Berrettini admitted with a smile, before the conversation turned to Bearman’s time in Italy. “I lived in Bologna for two years because Ferrari is in Maranello,” Bearman said. “That helped me learn Italian—but I’ve forgotten a bit now since I’m not with Ferrari anymore.”
Cue the banter. “One day you’ll have to take me on a track and teach me,” Berrettini grinned. Bearman volleyed back, “And I’ll try to return one of your serves.” When Bearman admitted he mostly plays padel, Berrettini clutched his chest, laughing, “Ah! My heart!”
The two spoke like old friends, swapping stories of adrenaline, pressure, and post-match exhaustion. “Right now, I still have adrenaline,” Berrettini said. “But in ten minutes, my legs will be done. Especially after that last rally.”
When asked about his heart rate during the final moments, Berrettini didn’t miss a beat: “Probably 200! My legs were dead, but you push through. It’s mental, too. You have to look like you’re fine—even if you’re destroyed inside.”
A Moment of Redemption
For Berrettini, this win meant more than just ranking points. It was personal. Two years ago at this very tournament, injury forced him to withdraw before facing Holger Rune in the third round. “I remember lying in bed the next day, hearing the matches going on,” he recalled. “That memory stayed with me. This year, I wanted them to scream for me—and that gave me energy in the third set.”
Since that injury setback, Berrettini has fought hard to reclaim his form. Once ranked World No. 92, he began 2024 outside the top 150. But with grit and patience, he’s clawed his way back to World No. 34.
F1 Meets ATP
Bearman, too, is no stranger to tennis. He attended the ATP Finals in Turin last year and even grabbed a selfie with champion Jannik Sinner. Meanwhile, Berrettini is a known Formula 1 fan and has been spotted at events like the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Before parting ways, the two posed for a photo, shared a few laughs, and wished each other luck—an unforgettable crossover between two elite athletes on the rise.
Looking ahead, Berrettini awaits the winner of Jiri Lehecka vs. Lorenzo Musetti—possibly setting up an all-Italian showdown. Can the Roman keep riding this wave in Monte Carlo?
