2024 has been a much more positive year for the big-serving Italian however, as Matteo Berrettini picked up three titles on the ATP tour in Morocco, Switzerland, and Austria.

Matteo Berrettini improves to 17-0 against lower-ranked opponents in 2024

Berrettini’s 6-4, 6-3 victory over compatriot Luciano Darderi in the Stockholm Open first round extended his remarkable record in 2024.

The Italian has remained unbeaten throughout the entire season against opponents ranked lower than him on the ATP Tour.

Now ranked just outside the world’s top 40, the record is even more impressive, as many of the top stars on the ATP tour have suffered shock losses this season.

Novak Djokovic was dumped out of Indian Wells by Luca Nardi earlier this year, then ranked outside the world’s top 100.

Similarly, Carlos Alcaraz lost to Botic Van De Zandschulp at the US Open this year, who was outside the top 50.

Results like this just go to show how impressive Berrettini’s record is, and that consistently beating opponents that you are supposedly better than, isn’t as easy as it looks.

Can Matteo Berrettini still challenge at the top?

Once touted as the biggest threat to Djokovic’s Wimbledon dominance, the Italian doesn’t seem to be mentioned in those conversations anymore.

The likes of Alcaraz and fellow Italian, Jannik Sinner have seemingly usurped Berrettini and various others from his generation as genuine Grand Slam contenders.

However, it would be wrong to ignore just how dangerous a fit and healthy Berrettini can be, especially at SW19.

The now 28-year-old took the first set against Djokovic in the 2021 Wimbledon Final, and his excellent performances in other Grass tournaments such as Queen’s should definitely keep him on the radar for future success.

The Italian hasn’t been able to play a full Grand Slam schedule since 2021, but will be hoping that an injury-free 2025 can see him return to the top of the men’s game.

Berrettini will be back in action against Dominick Stricker in Stockholm on Wednesday.

Related Topics