Matteo Berrettini arrived at Wimbledon in a low point of his career, plagued by injuries and despair for the past 18 months. His body was struggling under the demands of professional tennis, with new ailments and lingering wounds hindering his progress. Despite contemplating withdrawal, he made the decision to compete and surprisingly made it to the second week of the tournament.
On Monday, he faced Carlos Alcaraz, offering the young player one of his toughest challenges on the grass court. However, Alcaraz rose to the occasion and responded exceptionally well. Despite losing the first set, he made an impressive recovery and secured a spot in the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time in his career by defeating Berrettini with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
This victory can be considered one of Alcaraz’s most notable triumphs on grass and showcases the progress he continues to make on this surface. As a former Wimbledon finalist and winner of four ATP titles on grass, Berrettini possessed strengths that were particularly suited to this type of court. Nevertheless, after losing the initial set, Alcaraz stepped up his game and outplayed Berrettini throughout the match.
Before the tournament, it seemed unlikely that the 27-year-old Berrettini would progress past the opening round. His 2022 season had been marred by injuries, including a withdrawal from Wimbledon due to Covid, and he had faced tremendous struggles this year, leaving him bedridden for days, contemplating missed opportunities.
However, Berrettini’s fortunes took a turn during the grass season. In the earlier rounds, he defeated Alex de Minaur and Alexander Zverev in straight sets without losing a single serve. He entered his match against the top seed as one of the most in-form players in the tournament.
Despite Alcaraz imposing his game, Berrettini displayed confidence and skill, successfully navigating challenging moments in his service games and saving multiple break points in the first set. He managed to keep Alcaraz at bay with his powerful serve and strong forehand. Even his typically average two-handed backhand held up well against Alcaraz’s attacks.
At 4-3, Berrettini seized the opportunity and played strategically, utilizing delicate touches to win a break point with a stunning lob followed by an overhead winner. He comfortably served out the set, despite trailing by one initially.
Although Alcaraz was trailing, he could take comfort in his level of play and his ability to apply pressure on Berrettini’s serves. Alcaraz showcased his excellent returns and explosive forehand, as well as his skill in executing drop shots that forced Berrettini to come forward. The highlight of his recovery was a remarkable backhand shot around the net post, hit at full sprint for a clean winner. Alcaraz broke Berrettini’s serve early in the second set and sealed the deal.
With this win, Alcaraz secures another chapter in his rivalry with Berrettini. Alcaraz will face Holger Rune, a fellow 20-year-old, in the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Rune, the sixth seed, also reached his first quarter-final at Wimbledon by defeating Grigor Dimitrov with a score of 3-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4), 6-3. This will be a historic moment as it marks the first time in the open era that two players under the age of 21 will compete against each other in a Wimbledon quarter-final.
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