Italian’s ‘ferocious’ weapon that could undo world No.1

Carlos Alcaraz won’t have it easy when he faces Matteo Berrettini, but has “the slight edge” at Wimbledon.

The world No.1 was absent from the Australian Open this year and only made it to the semi-final at Roland-Garros when he was beaten by Novak Djokovic.

Berrettini is something of a dark horse having not featured much in 2023. He bombed out of the Australian Open in the first round after an enthralling five-hour match with Andy Murray.

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Injury kept him out of Roland-Garros but the Italian star has been a force at Wimbledon this year.

He beat countryman Lorenzo Sonego in the first round and then 15th seed Alex De Minaur in the second before beating Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Berrettini’s last two wins have been in straight sets.

Speaking on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily, former tennis pro Mark Petchey said Berrettini has the arsenal to give Alcaraz a run for his money.

“It’s a great match-up,” said Petchey.

Watch Wimbledon 2023 live and free on 9now. Alternatively, you can stream every match live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport, with centre court in 4K UHD.

“Obviously Alcaraz has the slight edge in terms of the head-to-head, two and one, but Berrettini got them at the only grand slam they played down under in Melbourne in a gripping fifth set as well. A couple of those have gone to a fifth set breaker. 

“In terms of Matteo’s game, the lift that we’ve seen since Stuttgart has been exceptional. Back in 2021, he was the leader on the tour in terms of service games won – that’s how dominant his serve can be. His serve, plus one, is arguably the most ferocious out there. 

“We talk a lot about Alcaraz’s forehand, but Matteo’s is arguably even better in that combination. Given the way he’s made it through to this round, I do like his chances.”

For Berrettini, playing Alcaraz is an honour in itself.

“You want to play the best players in the world and playing against Carlos, it’s always been a pleasure, a great fight,” the Italian explained.

“We always give our best and he’s probably one of the best … he’s number one right now, so he’s the best player in the world.

“It’s going to be a great challenge but I’m so glad that I have this kind of opportunity right now.

“I remember watching him playing at Roland-Garros from my TV, so now it’s going to be me against him. I’m really happy for that and I think it’s just going to help me to go there and enjoy and find that extra energy that I was talking about.”

Although Petchey spoke highly of Berrettini, he still expects the young Spaniard to come through with the win.

“I have to go with Carlos,” he said.

“I feel as though his win at Queens (over De Minaur) will give him enough confidence but he’s going to get challenged.”

That match is slated to get underway at 3:30am on Tuesday.

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