Matteo Berrettini

Matteo Berrettini in 2026

Matteo Berrettini Introduction

Matteo Berrettini remains one of Italy's most prominent tennis figures in 2026, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. The 30-year-old right-hander has overcome significant injury setbacks to return to competitive form, recently claiming his first Roland Garros match win in five years at the 2026 French Open. Currently ranked 105th in the ATP standings, Berrettini continues to demonstrate the resilience that made him a Wimbledon finalist and the first Italian man to reach quarterfinals or better at all four Grand Slam tournaments. His career prize money exceeds 13.6 million dollars, reflecting his sustained success on the global tour despite health challenges.

Matteo Berrettini Early Life

Berrettini was born on April 12, 1996, in Rome, Lazio, Italy, into a family with strong tennis roots. His father Luca Berrettini was a former tennis professional, while his mother Claudia Bigo played as a club player in Italy. Tennis ran in the family as his younger brother Jacopo also became an ATP professional player. Matteo picked up his first tennis racket at age three, a gift from his parents, and began formal training at the Sant'Agnese Tennis Club in Rome at age eight. Before focusing exclusively on tennis, he also practiced football and judo. His first coach Vincenzo Santopadre has guided his development since 2011, forming a long-term partnership that shaped his technical foundation.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Berrettini turned professional in 2015 and quickly climbed the rankings with his imposing 6-foot-7 frame and serve that regularly exceeds 130 mph. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he became the first Italian to win a singles match at the ATP Finals in London. He claimed his first ATP title in 2018 and went on to win seven career titles including two prestigious Queen's Club championships in 2019 and 2022. His crowning achievement arrived at Wimbledon 2021 where he became the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final since 1976, ultimately losing to Novak Djokovic in straight sets. That same year he reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, completing his unique feat of reaching quarterfinals or better at all four majors.

Personal Life and Relationships

Off the court, Berrettini's personal life has attracted significant media attention. He dated Croatian-Australian tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic from 2019 to 2022, forming one of tennis' most recognized power couples. Both athletes understood the demands of professional travel and competition, with Berrettini admitting his performance improved after they began dating. In January 2023 he started dating Italian television presenter Melissa Satta, though their relationship ended in February 2024 amid media criticism about her influence on his injury struggles. Currently Berrettini is in a relationship with Italian dancer Vanessa Bellini, whom he met at a concert in Turin in June 2025. The couple celebrated his 30th birthday together on a yacht after the 2026 Monte Carlo Masters.

Injury Struggles and Comeback

Berrettini's career has been marked by significant injury challenges that interrupted his momentum. He underwent hand surgery in March 2026 before mounting a successful comeback that included two title wins and a 12-match winning streak. Between his 2021 Wimbledon final and 2026 Roland Garros, he missed eight of eighteen Grand Slam events including the 2026 Australian Open. His right foot stress fracture and other physical issues limited his play during 2023 and parts of 2024. Despite these setbacks, his 2024 season saw three titles and a 32-12 record, demonstrating his capacity to return to elite form when healthy.

Legacy and Impact on Italian Tennis

Berrettini's legacy extends beyond his individual achievements as he inspired a new generation of Italian tennis players. His Wimbledon final run shattered the longstanding barrier for Italian men in Grand Slam singles and proved that players from Italy could compete at the highest level on grass courts. He holds the distinction of being the only Italian man to reach quarterfinals or better at all four majors, a unique accomplishment in his nation's tennis history. His success contributed to Italy's growing prominence in men's tennis alongside peers like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. Berrettini made his Laver Cup debut in 2021 and returned as Team Europe's alternate in 2026, representing continental competition at the highest level.

Matteo Berrettini Summary

Matteo Berrettini stands as a testament to perseverance in professional tennis, having overcome multiple injuries to maintain his status among Italy's elite players. Born into a tennis family in Rome, he developed into a powerful server and aggressive baseliner who made history as the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam final since 1976. His Wimbledon 2021 finalist run, two Queen's Club titles, and unique achievement of reaching quarterfinals at all four majors define his career accomplishments. Currently dating dancer Vanessa Bellini and working his way back through the rankings after hand surgery, Berrettini continues to compete with the resilient mindset that has characterized his comeback voyages. His influence on Italian tennis remains profound as he paved the way for younger players and demonstrated that Italian men could dominate on all surfaces at the highest level.