Matteo Berrettini found in the figure of Roger Federer a kind of “motivation” to become a professional tennis player. The Italian tennis player, 26 years old and current number 24 in the world, joined the series of figures who have taken advantage of these last months to praise the “Swiss express”.
Berrettini, one of the main references of the NextGen, acknowledged that he was moved in the last Laver Cup when Federer’s emotional retirement occurred, although he did so as part of the Team Europa substitutes.
“I couldn’t sleep, I was so excited. I told him why we were crying. The reason I chose to become a tennis player was because of him,” said the 2021 Wimbledon finalist.
“He probably doesn’t know this, but when I was a kid and he was playing in Rome, I would try to sneak onto Center Court because I didn’t have a ticket. He was my idol. He inspired me a lot.
Not just me, but billions of people. He did everything for the sport and for me in general, ”added the transalpine player. Berrettini assured that he is “so happy to be here.
I have to thank you, but I’m getting chills, guys. It’s difficult for me.” Throughout their careers, they met twice. Roger emerged victorious on both occasions. Both meetings were played in 2019, with the Swiss winning in straight sets.
Later they were budgeted to meet in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros in 2021, but Federer got out of the commitment when he arrived injured. Do you see any similarity in Matteo Berrettini’s game with Roger Federer’s?
