Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini has made a significant comeback at the French Open by defeating Francisco Comesana and advancing to the fourth round of this year’s Grand Slam tournament for the second time since 2022.
Berrettini, who was once ranked world number six but has faced numerous fitness issues in recent years, winning only one match out of eight Grand Slams since his runner-up finish at Wimbledon five years ago, triumphed over Comesana after a grueling five-hour battle. The score went 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(15-13).
“I know what it takes to go deep in a Slam,” Berrettini told reporters post-match. “At the same time, I haven’t been that deep for a long time.”
The Italian player expressed his renewed confidence and belief in his ability to perform at high levels once again, stating that he has built up this newfound confidence over recent months.
“Today was a high-level match,” Berrettini said, adding that both his physical condition and playing style are working well. “I’m in the fourth round of Paris, which is a great achievement for me.”
His emotional response to the win reflected his journey from self-doubt to rediscovery of his tennis prowess.
“I doubted myself too much lately,” he admitted. “Even though I had unbelievable support from my family and team, sometimes I just have to admit that I thought I couldn’t feel good on court again.”
Berrettini will face Juan Manuel Cerundolo next in the tournament after the Argentine player defeated world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round.