The Hands In Which Berrettini Trusts: Physio Ramon Punzano | ATP Tour

Editor’s Note: This article was translated from ATPTour.com/es.

A tennis player’s most feared adversary is perhaps one that never wields a racquet. Injuries are the most unpredictable blight any sportsman can suffer throughout his career, and Matteo Berrettini has recently had first-hand experience of them.

In 2022, the Italian underwent wrist surgery, fought COVID-19 and recovered from a problem with his left foot. Berrettini was sidelined from the ATP Tour for several months.

However, the current No. 14 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings has been working hard to return this season with a vengeance. One of the professionals that has helped him with his recovery, physiotherapist Ramon Punzano, revealed to ATPTour.com details of the last year, his relationship with Berrettini, and the strengths that have made him one of the best players in the world.

United Cup.” />
Ramon Punzano (far right) celebrates with Team Italy at the 2023 United Cup. Credit: Tennis Australia

“Players fear not being able to return to their previous level. It generates a slight air of tension, concern, it’s not an optimistic environment, that’s normal,” explained Punzano. “From a personal and professional point of view, you’re trying to bring calm to the situation, you try to be as positive as possible in moments of adversity.”

Early in 2022, Berrettini arrived in Melbourne and romped to the semi-finals of the Australian Open. Following that run, he reached a career-high No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. When the Italian was in the form of his life, a wrist injury forced him to go under the knife, shortly after Indian Wells in March.

“It was a tough blow,” Punzano admitted. “The recovery was better than expected and even I was a little surprised at how we progressed so quickly, but the injury dictates how quickly you can go. You have to listen to it, and if it lets you, you have to accelerate as quickly as possible.”

The Italian and his team shifted their sights  to the grass-court swing. In 2021, he was a finalist at Wimbledon (l. Novak Djokovic), meaning he would have to defend a significant haul of points this past summer. The Boss Open, which is held in Stuttgart, Germany, staged Berrettini’s return to the court in June.

“We managed a good start to the grass swing. In Stuttgart he won, and also at Queen’s….