Despite experiencing ups and downs, the Dane seized the key moments of the match, exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses and getting into his head, particularly disrupting the Italian’s first serve.
For Matteo, there’s regret for not capitalizing on the many opportunities he had worked so hard to create, but also the realization that he is on the right path to reclaiming those emotions on the Tour.
Two pivotal moments defined the outcome. The first was in the opening sets, when he failed to close out his serve, wasting two set points and losing the tie-break 3-7. The second came in the fourth set, when Rune saved two more set points and clawed back from 2-5 to win another crucial tie-break.
A bitter pill for the Italian to swallow, who reflected on the match afterward, acknowledging that he wasn’t strong enough to beat Rune.
“In the end, I just wasn’t strong enough to win the match. That’s how I see it. There’s a lot of regret because I had worked hard and felt good. I was coming off a strong win and started this match well, but I couldn’t convert the chances I created.
Maybe I was too passive at certain points, which doesn’t work for my style of play. Rune was sharp and made the most of his opportunities. On the plus side, I feel great physically and could have played another set. I also believe I’ve made technical improvements.
The umpire’s calls didn’t play much of a role in the outcome. It’s important to keep growing. Winning and losing is part of the process—it’s not the end of the world. I’m working hard, and even though I lost today, I’m confident this season will bring good things,” he said in Italian.
