By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Monday, October 7, 2024
Photo credit: Tennis TV Screen Shot
Tennis is a unifying sport.
Matteo Berrettini showed it without striking a shot.
More: WADA Appeals Sinner’s Doping Case, Seeks Ban for World No. 1
Prior to his Rolex Shanghai Masters match vs. Holger Rune, Berrettini showed why he’s regarded as one of tennis’ true gentlemen taking time out to chat with the child mascot, who accompanied him on court.
Shanghai is one of several ATP tournaments where a child walks hand-in-hand with a player out onto court.
Former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini took time out to introduce himself, ask the girl her age and share his age in this sweet exchange between the pair.
A look into Berrettini’s adorable conversation with the mascot at the #RolexShanghaiMasters 🥹 https://t.co/gmorWjPFZx pic.twitter.com/LXFdnGZps9
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 7, 2024
“Hello, how are you? You good?” Berrettini says with a wave to the child. “Nice to meet you. I’m 28.”
Nice to see a superstar take time out to share some friendly conversation with a young fan before a big match.
Berrettini built a kind rapport with the child and then took a one-set lead before Rune rallied for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Big hitters have a soft spot for tennis fans.
Remember at last month’s US Open when Aryna Sabalenka bonded with her adorable mini me.
