Matteo Berrettini continued his hot start to the new season Wednesday when he earned a critical win against Hubert Hurkacz in the United Cup Brisbane City Final. The World No. 16 relied on his big serve and booming forehand to secure a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 triumph after one hour and 57 minutes
The win importantly gave Team Italy a 2-1 lead against Team Poland, putting his team within one win of a spot at the Final Four of the mixed-teams competition in Sydney. Lucia Bronzetti will try to clinch the tie for her country when she faces Magda Linette in the No. 2 women’s singles match. A potentially decisive mixed doubles match will follow.
“I’m really happy for the performance, for my teammates obviously,” Berrettini said. “I think the level was really high. Hubi is a great player. We fought in the past, I’m sure we’re going to fight in the future as well. So I’m really, really happy. A little bit tired, but really happy.”
Berrettini made a quick star, breaking Hurkacz’s serve immediately. However, the encounter turned into a heavyweight clash between the two 2021 Nitto ATP Finals contenders.
There was little to differentiate between the stars, with the critical moment coming at 3-2 in the deciding set. Berrettini hit two sensational passing shots in the game to give himself a break opportunity, which he converted when the Pole missed a forehand long. The Italian now leads their ATP Head2Head series 2-1.
It was Berrettini’s second Top 10 win in as many days, having defeated World No. 3 Casper Ruud on Tuesday. He also beat Thiago Monteiro in his first match of the season.
“I think the key today was my mental toughness,” Berrettini said. “I wasn’t playing as good as yesterday, but tennis is like this. Every day is different, so I’m really happy for that.”
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