Rafael Nadal’s Past Propels Matteo Berrettini’s Future with Ex-Coach
Francisco Roig will be Matteo Berrettini’s trainer in 2024, having spent 17 years working with Rafael Nadal. Between 2005 until 2022, Roig was a member of Rafael Nadal’s coaching staff. Before departing the squad last year, Roig and his compatriot won multiple titles together.
Francisco began working with Berrettini on a new project in 2023, after working with Sloane Stephens previously. The Italian underwent surgery in March of last year after battling injuries for the previous two years. With 12 victories in 2023, Matteo is now rated 92nd; however, he hasn’t played since the US Open.
In Brisbane, the former world no. 6 will begin the 2024 season and, barring a wild card, advance to the qualifying draw. At the United Cup, where he finished in the top 10 before losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz, Matteo got the season started behind us.
In 2024, Rafael Nadal’s former coach will collaborate with Matteo Berrettini.
After wasting a match chance and losing 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7, and 7-6 in four hours and forty-nine minutes to Andy Murray, Berrettini suffered a crushing defeat at the Australian Open.
In the final set, at 5-4, the Italian made a dreadful backhand that saved the British player. Murray won the match 10–6 after it went to a match tiebreaker. There were more victories than unintentional mistakes in a match of excellent calibre.
For the duration of the match, Matteo and Andy were neck and neck in the third set, with Matteo only managing one break. In the match tiebreak, Murray sealed the deal with a fortunate net cord return winner, eliminating Berrettini from contention.
In the following months, Matteo struggled physically and played poorly, so much so that he left the Stuttgart court in tears following a crushing defeat. In the fourth round at his beloved Wimbledon, the Italian defeated Carlos Alcaraz after three victories.
The former finalist’s run was ended by the Spaniard in three hours and five minutes with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory. After a commanding start in set two, Matteo faltered, facing 16 break points and breaking four times.
After a few difficult years, Berrettini played just five matches before retiring at the US Open and calling it a season. He hopes to have a better season in 2024.