It has been the most spectacular match of Wimbledon 2024, so far: Jannik Sinner beat Matteo Berrettini in four sets, giving the crowd on the Centre Court emotions for four hours of play, always lived on the edge of the blade, decided by three tie-breaks. A challenge that came decidedly too early and that confirmed the solidity of the new ATP No.1, capable of raising the level (especially in return) in the decisive moments, winning all 3 tie-breaks of the challenge. Berrettini has also shown a very high level and, if health supports him, he will soon be able to climb the ATP rankings, so as not to have any more first rounds in tournaments of this level.
For Sinner, overcoming such a tough obstacle is undoubtedly a great confidence boost for the rest of the tournament, considering that Berrettini was one of those opponents that no one would have wanted on their path, in the first rounds of the Championships. Analyzing the match in the post match interview, Jannik explained:
"Matteo and I are great friends, we often train together and obviously play together in the Davis Cup. It's not easy to face each other so early in a tournament like this. I think it was a very high level match, I was also a bit lucky in the 3 tie-breaks of the first, second and fourth set. I knew I would have to raise my level in this match, Berrettini is a grass specialist and it should always be remembered that in the past he reached the final in this tournament. I am very happy with how I handled the situations in the match. I thank everyone for the support, for me it is a great honor to play here, the support was truly fantastic."
At the following press conference, Sinner added: "It was a tough match. We both played really well. He served really, really well. I also served really well, especially in the first two sets. Then I made a couple of mistakes at the beginning of the third set. His confidence started to grow more. Overall it was a good match from both sides. I'm happy to have it closed in 4. Let's see what happens in the next round. Matteo is an incredible server on grass. The little details can make the difference. I'm happy to see him back playing at this level. I hope to see him around as much as possible."
At the post-match press conference, Berrettini also analyzed the match. The former Wimbledon finalist should be proud of the match he played, but if he wants to return to the levels of 2021, he will now have to be consistent in his performances (and lucky with his health).
"At a certain point I got chills because I heard the crowd going crazy and this stuff is unmatched. Especially thinking about those moments when I didn't even want to look at the results because I was suffering too much. I'm trying really hard, I'm very careful about all the details of what I'm doing. I've realized in these years that the thing that really makes me sad is when I can't play. The problem is that to get points and rankings you have to play so often and give continuity, play and play, I haven't done that in the last two years. However, being where I am today seeing how few tournaments I've played surprises me. I can't even explain it, but the fact of stopping and starting again for the sport we do is very difficult.
I showed that the level is there, and that continuity is needed. I had fun, it was nice, I felt proud to play with my head held high against the number 1 in the world, against someone who has lost very few matches this year and on the Centre Court at Wimbledon. With millions of people watching and with Italy watching. There was the weight of history on this match. All of this made me very, very proud. I would have liked to have arrived in different conditions, but having said that, it is one of those matches that in 20 years I will remember with a smile. Sinner? We congratulated each other. We wished each other good luck. I told him to go and win it, to go all the way," said Berrettini.
