Matteo Berrettini secured a place in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros. The Italian beat the Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo by 3 sets to 0, with partials of 6/3, 7/6 (7-2) and 7/6 (8-6), this Monday (1st). The result marks the tennis player’s return to the quarterfinals of the French Grand Slam after a five-year absence. Berrettini, currently number 105 in the rankings, became the lowest ranked player to reach this stage in Paris since 2007.
The duel took place at Court Suzanne Lenglen. Berrettini controlled the pace from the start and didn’t give up any breaks in the first set. Nos followed two tiebreaks, he showed coolness in the decisive points. Cerundolo, who had eliminated world number 1 Jannik Sinner in the previous round, put pressure on in the third set but was unable to convert the opportunities.
Berrettini equals 2021 campaign on Paris
The Italian reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros for the second time in his career. The first was in 2021. Desde then had injuries that kept him out of the tournament for the next four editions. The road to this point included a hard-fought victory in the third round. Berrettini saved two match points against Francisco Comesana before advancing.
The 29-year-old tennis player demonstrated physical progress throughout the week. Ele won all three sets with efficient serving and good movement on clay. Contra Cerundolo, Berrettini converted the first match point in the third set after saving three set points from their rival. The victory lasted about two and a half hours.
- Berrettini: 6 more winners than Cerundolo in the match
- Dois tiebreaks won with comfortable scores
- Zero breaks conceded in the first set
- Salvou all set points in the deciding set
- Avanço guaranteed to be the worst-ranked tennis player in the quarterfinals since 2007
Superação marks the Italian’s recent trajectory
Berrettini has faced serious physical problems in recent years. Ele missed much of 2022 and 2023 due to surgeries and long recoveries. The gradual return to the circuit included titles in challengers and good performance in some ATPs. Em Paris, he took advantage of a favorable draw after the early eliminations of favorites.
The former world top 6 arrived at Paris with renewed confidence. Ele had already shown signs of returning to a high level in previous tournaments. The current campaign reinforces that Berrettini can become a threat again in Grand Slams when he is 100% physically. The Italian cited overcoming after the game, but focused on the next challenge.
Próximo opponent leaves duel between Tiafoe and Arnaldi
Nas quarterfinals, Berrettini will face the winner of the clash between North American Frances Tiafoe and Italian Matteo Arnaldi. The Italian duel could happen if Arnaldi advances. Berrettini already has a positive record against both, but the clay floor requires constant adaptation.
The presence of three Italians in the men’s quarterfinals highlights the good moment of the country’s tennis. Berrettini, Arnaldi and Flavio Cobolli represent the new wave that emerges after the era of Sinner and Musetti. The 2026 tournament has been marked by upsets and surprising campaigns.
Estatísticas’s match highlights Berrettini’s efficiency
The Italian won 78% of the points on the first serve. Ele made few unforced errors in important moments. Cerundolo, in turn, pressed on the return, but failed to convert break points. The tiebreaks were the most balanced moments of the game.
Berrettini made good use of the Argentine’s short balls. Sua heavy right hand worked especially well in the decisive points. The serve, one of the Italian’s main weapons, was decisive in closing the sets. Cerundolo fought until the end, but didn’t find enough gaps.
The game took place in mild temperature conditions at Paris. The public filled the stands and supported the two players. Berrettini celebrated a lot at the end, aware of the importance of the result for his career. The Italian fans present gave him a standing ovation.
Retorno gradual circuit raises expectations
Berrettini plans to keep the momentum going in other clay tournaments before turning the season over to grass. Wimbledon, where he was a finalist in 2021, is one of the goals of the year. The performance in Roland Garros should help in climbing the rankings. Ele could return to the top 50 if it continues to advance.
Men’s tennis is going through a transition phase. Com Sinner and Alcaraz out early, the bracket opened up space for names like Berrettini. The Italian took advantage of the opportunity and now dreams of semi-finals. The next game will be essential to measure their current level.