Wimbledon’s main contenders have been warned that Matteo Berrettini can win the Championships despite an injury-hit 12 months. The likes of Novak Djokovic have been told that the Italian is one of the serious contenders standing in their way this week.
Berrettini was a Wimbledon finalist in 2021 and even went a set ahead in his showdown with Djokovic, only to be the victim of a stunning comeback by the Serb. A devastating positive Covid test kept him out of the tournament last year.
Buoyed following a comeback from various injuries, the 27-year-old is on a storming run at Wimbledon and is into the fourth round. He defeated Alexander Zverev on Saturday, having previously beaten Alex De Minaur and Lorenzo Sonego.
And Zverev has warned the Wimbledon favourites that Berrettini is well among their strongest competition. The German said: “I told him that he can win the tournament if he plays like this, in my opinion.
“Of course, there are other players that are great. He’s playing [Carlos] Alcaraz next. I think he’s a great player as well. But if he plays like this, to be honest, he has chances against anybody.”
Berrettini, who faces World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round, responded by telling his press conference: “I thanked [Zverev] already. I have to say I felt really good, but I know this is something I don’t have to think about right now.
“The attitude is going to be the same. Every match is really tough. Today I played good, but doesn’t mean anything in terms of winning the tournament.”
It comes after Berrettini admitted spending ‘many days’ crying in bed after injuries took their toll. A stomach injury kept him out of action for two months between March and April, and the problems have affected his form.
“It feels unbelievable, you know. Something that I didn’t think could happen,” Berrettini said in his on-court interview after beaten Zverev.
“I spent many days in my bed crying about not being able to play so five days in a row, it’s nothing. You know, like it’s easy to play.
“It’s sad but it’s true. I missed playing, I missed competing. The people that are close to me, they know about it so it’s so special.
“I found extra energy, I’m finding it every day. I’m so glad that I’m here and you guys are unbelievable, thank you for the support.”
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