World No. 10 Matteo Berrettini confirmed he was feeling well physically after playing his first match in three months as he was glad that he was able to make a winning return to action. Berrettini, who underwent a hand surgery in March, made a comeback to competitive action on Wednesday in Stuttgart.
In his first match back, second-seeded Berrettini looked good as he defeated Radu Albot 6-2 4-6 6-3 to reach the Stuttgart quarterfinal. “I feel good, physically especially,” Berrettini said after the win, per the ATP website.
“I didn’t take it for granted that I was stepping out and feeling good, especially after a surgery. I’ve never had one [before]. I’m really happy, I played three sets, so I’m feeling good”.
Berrettini struggled a bit but still managed to win
Berrettini made a fast start to the match, breaking Albot twice in the first set to easily win the opener. After losing the first set, Albot earned his first break of the match in the seventh game and served out for the second set in the 10th game.
Berrettini faced pressure early on in the third set but he was able to save three break points, before earning the lone break of the third set in the fourth game. After breaking Albot, Berrettini routinely held on to his serve the rest of the match to seal a three-set victory.
“Obviously it wasn’t easy, especially mentally,” said Berrettini. “When you’re not playing a lot, you lose the rhythm a little bit. That’s why I struggled a little bit in the second set, but in the first games in the third I fought hard.
I felt like I had to be there, I had to fight, and I’m happy to be through”. Last year, Berrettini was 11-1 on grass as he made it all the way at the Queen’s Club and finished runner-up at Wimbledon. “The grass is always one of my favourite parts of the season, so I’m [happy] to be here enjoying the grass and I’m pretty sure my level is going to get better and better,” said Berrettini. “Today was the first important step”.
Source: Tennis World USA