Written by Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, January 13, 2025
Photo credit: Graham Denholm/Getty
Matteo Berrettini showed great muscle memory on his return to Melbourne.
Berrettini fired 32 aces in a 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 Australian Open win Cameron Norrie at the KIA Arena.
This wasn't classic Berrettini—it was better than that, Berrettini said.
The 2022 AO semi-finalist said he is technically a better player than he was three years ago, but admits he had more confidence then.
“I think at the time I felt really confident, but if you look at the highlights and stuff. “I don't think I was playing better when there was a stroke,” said Berrettini. “Maybe I was playing better because I was more focused. I was like, I used to play some kind of sports, but I feel like my level is higher there.
“Today I think I played a very good game. My backhand I think is better than three years ago. My comeback is better than three years ago. There's still room for improvement, luckily, and it's just a matter of time and matches and opportunities to play against the best players in the world.”
Berrettini, 28, will play the 13th place Holger Rune third round spot.
Rune went a long way in conquering China Zhizhen Zhang.
“Yes, next Holger. We played a few times last year, and I saw the final score of the game,” said Berrettini. “Obviously he is a top player. We never play slam. So it's very different, but at the same time I know it's going to be a tough game. But I can hear well. I feel confident. I played, I think, a very good game today. It's ready for what's next.”
