Matteo Berrettini issues social media message after splitting with his coach Francisco Roig

Posted by Admin October 27, 2024 Tennis

In a couple of months of multiple high-profile player and coach splits, Matteo Berrettini is the latest to add his name to the list.

The big serving Italian crashed out of the Vienna Open quarter-finals to Russia’s in-form Karen Khachanov.

A season characterized by injury woes and comebacks, Matteo Berrettini has still managed to pick up three titles this year.

The Italian faced six months on the sidelines nursing all manner of knocks in 2023 – issues that to his disappointment bled into this year.

Returning in March, it took just weeks to lift his first title since 2022 in Morocco, before a frustrating combination of fitness and health woes caused Berrettini to miss the French Open, as well as Rome and Madrid.

The 28-year-old later clinched back-to-back titles in Gstaad and Kitzbühel to help his ranking continue to improve.

However, the Italian has now announced he is parting ways with his coach of just ten months.

Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images

Matteo Berrettini sends message to axed coach

A one-sided defeat to Khachanov ended Berrettini’s run in Vienna. However he has risen to 34th in the world as a result.

After an injury at last year’s US Open, Berrettini split with his coach since 2011, Vincenzo Santopadre.

Later hiring Francisco Roig – who acted as the alternate coach of Rafael Nadal from 2005 until 2022 – in December, their time together has broadly been quite successful.

However, in an announcement made via Berrettini’s Instagram story on Saturday 26th October, he said: “Hello everyone! I wanted to let you know that Francisco Roig and I have decided to end our professional relationship.

“I can only thank him for all the work he’s done this year, his dedication, and the results we’ve achieved together. It was a professional experience that allowed me to grow immensely, both on and off the court. I wish him all the best for the future and send him my heartfelt good luck. Thank you.”

Matteo Berrettini is targeting a huge 2025

Set to play at the Paris Masters next week, the Italian’s quest for a top 10 return will be continuing immediately, despite his recent coaching split.

After a challenging year, he’s looking to end 2024 on a high, which could secure him a seeded position at the Australian Open.

While a seeding would not give him many guarantees – especially as a lower seed – he would likely avoid a nightmare intense opening round.

With his powerful serve and strong baseline game, Berrettini has the tools to compete with anyone on tour.

A strong start to 2025 could set the tone for another huge season, with hopes of breaking back into the top rankings and returning to a Grand Slam final.