Matteo Berrettini has secured his first title since returning from a series of injuries and looked in strong form as the powerfully built Italian downed the defending champion in straight sets at the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Italian dropped just two sets during the week as he became the third Italian to claim a title this season joining Jannik Sinner and Lucian Darderi on the winner’s rostrum. Between them, they have secured five titles to make Italy the most successful nation of this season so far.
Berrettini’s 7-5 6-2 victory over Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena brought to an end the defending champions winning streak of nine matches in Marrakech, following some great power hitting over one-hour 46-minutes, in a match befitting the final to become the first Italian to lift the Marrakech trophy since 2006..
The 2021 Wimbledon finalist and former world No. was playing just his third tournament back after missing six months with an ankle injury.
For much of the first set the match could have swung either way but Berrettini broke the deadlock to lead 6-5 and held it despite Carballes Baena attempts to break back, failing on three chances he had to force a tiebreak. Some huge serving from the 27-year-old Italian kept the Spaniard at bay.
That proved pivotal as Berrettini took full control eventually wrapping up the win for his eighth career title, having saved seven of eight break points he faced. He will also rise to 84 in the world rankings as he continues his journey back up towards the top ten.
“I want to thank my team,” Berrettini said at the trophy presentation ceremony. “It’s been a tough past couple of years, I would say, and thanks to them I was able to overcome all the tough moments. My body wasn’t allowing me to play, so it’s thanks to [them] that I am here.
“[I also want to thank] all the people that made my comeback possible. All my friends, my family, people that were with me all the times when I was sad and injured, and I didn’t think I could make it, so thank you very much.”
And his fans are delighted he is back.
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