Wimbledon star Matteo Berrettini ‘cried for days’ before fairytale comeback

Matteo Berrettini admitted that he spent days crying in bed after dealing with multiple injury setbacks over the last few months. A former finalist at Wimbledon, the Italian looked in doubt to play this year when he was in tears following a first-round exit on the grass in Stuttgart less than a month ago. But he’s back into the second week at SW19 after upsetting 19th seed Alexander Zverev.

Berrettini has been struggling with an abdomen injury for the last few months, playing just two tournaments since March. He was forced to miss the French Open and made a premature comeback on the grass in Stuttgart, crying as he lost to countryman Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.

His hopes of returning to Wimbledon were thrown into even more doubt when he pulled out of Queen’s despite being the two-time defending champion. But he managed to make it to SW19 and got revenge over Sonego in the first round – and he’s now beaten Alex de Minaur and Zverev back-to-back.

Speaking after a straight-set victory over the German, Berrettini couldn’t believe he was into the second week. “It feels unbelievable, you know. Something that I didn’t think could happen,” he said.

As well as suffering from an abdomen problem, Berrettini was also forced to miss Wimbledon 12 months ago when he tested positive for Covid ahead of his opening match. The 27-year-old reached his first and only Grand Slam final here back in 2021 and only managed to return to the “special” tournament this year.

He continued: “Like you said, I didn’t play much this year but there must be something special about this place, I love to play here. Last year I missed it unfortunately and I still didn’t heal from that withdrawal and this tournament changed my career and my life so it’s so special to be here, I’m really happy.”

Because of rain delays, Berrettini has now played for five days straight at Wimbledon and is looking forward to a hard-earned day of rest on Sunday. But after his injuries left him in tears, the world No 38 is more than happy to play as much as he can.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“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,” he said. When the Court 1 crowd showed their sympathy for Berrettini’s situation, he added: “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.”

Berrettini has now been rewarded with a meeting with world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz, which will likely take place on Centre Court on Monday. It will be the Italian’s first time on the show court since the final two years ago.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

Source: Read Full Article