Berrettini’s run-up to conquer the grass He is the number two favorite

Today at Wimbledon the debut of the blue, last year finalist Matteo’s journey towards the title begins with the challenge to Garin

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It was a summer ago, ten seems to have passed. Maybe this time Federer is not there, and Hubi Hurkacz, who last summer had trimmed the first 6-0 in history at Center Court to the genius, has already flown out of the tournament, beaten on his debut by the Monte-Carlo finalist Davidovich -Fokina. Maybe last year Matteo Berrettini was the unexpected, the Italian you don’t expect, and he came within two sets of taking the cup; while today even bookmakers, usually far-sighted, give him on the podium of the favorites: Djokovic at 1.65, Matteo at 6.5, Nadal at 8. Today at 2 pm Italian “The Hammer” opens the program on field number 1, the opponent is Cristian Garin, number 43 in the world (but 17 in 2021), an earthly Chilean to be handled with caution anyway since he beat him in the final in Monaco in 2019 – when Berrettini began to be Berrettini – then losing the other two clashes.

But as Mr Erbettini rightly says, with what may seem presumptuous and instead is only realism, “maybe now it’s the others who have to worry a little about me.” Especially after two tournaments won in a row on grass, and four finals in the last four outings.

This, moreover, for Matteo is the year of maturity, of full awareness. Responsibilities that must be transformed into mental fuel, as Matteo usually knows how to do very well. “Coming back here is still nice”, says Vincenzo Santopadre, the man who whispers to the champion, “the conductor”, as the athletics coach La Torre calls him, who directs the orchestra of physiotherapists, trainers and consultants from which comes the sound named Matthew.

«Entering the Center Court already in training, together with Nadal, was a particular emotion. It is a field that gives you unique sensations, which gives you a lot of energy ». In 2021 Berrettini and Santopadre were in the hotel, closed in the bubble. This time around, the clan is housed in a large house near the All England Club, as most players have been doing for some time. Away from the chaos of London, better the placid rhythms of the narrow streets that flow among the trees and meadows, with the eyes and soul resting – when the clouds give respite – drinking the aeronautical blue of the suburban skies. «The atmosphere is different from last year – continues Santopadre – this time there are also Matteo’s parents. They arrived after following Jacopo, who also returned to the final in a tournament after many months of injury: just like his brother Matteo ». Small superstitions, omens.

The Eve the major of the Berrettinis spent working at home, “where we have everything we need”, explains coach Vincenzo, who does not unbutton himself too much, and does not want to unbalance even the physical conditions of his client. «How is Matteo? Benino, come on ». What translated, does it mean? “Benino.” A light, almost imperceptible shadow. A cloud that for a moment veils the blue sky swept by the wind that ruffles the leaves of the ivy clinging to the walls of the Center Court, and makes the ladies in the hat and floral skirt shiver. –