It proved to be a David and Goliath match with the powerful looking Matteo Berrettini filling the latter role and the slim looking Jannik Sinner the former.
I knew that I would have to raise my level today because he’s a finalist here and a grass court specialist. I can be happy with my level tonight.” Yannik Sinner
It was a match between two Italians with Berrettini, a former world No.6 and Wimbledon finalist before a series of injuries interrupted his career, keen to reestablish himself back at the top of the game.
Meanwhile his opponent, Sinner, the current world No.1, who has only lost three matches this season, won the Australian Open and picked up his first title on grass (Halle) a few weeks ago, wants to maintain his superiority over everyone, especially any compatriots.
And he did just that and like the mythical David, used his ‘slingshot’ – his forehand – to great effect, remaining patient and retaining his focus when the tide turned against, him to eventually secure his third-round place after three-hours and 42-minutes, 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6(4).
Having survived the bazooka like shots off Berrettini’s racket – the 28-year-old Roman hammered down 28 aces and struck 65 winners past his 22-year-old opponent – looked as fresh as a daisy when he was interviewed after his win.
“For sure, we are very good friends – we play Davis Cup together, sometimes we practise together – so it’s such a shame that we had to play in the second round,” Sinner admitted. “I knew that I would have to raise my level today because he’s a finalist here and a grass court specialist. I can be happy with my level tonight.”
The two friends embrace after the memorable match
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
From the opening exchanges it was clear that it was going to be a noisy encounter – and even more so as it was under the roof on Centre Court which accentuated the strikes; there was no backing off with the two going at each other in gladiatorial style.
Neither player was prepared to concede an inch and even when Berrettini squeezed a break point, it was immediately snuffed out.
By now it was clear that a tiebreak would be required and so it proved. There Sinner took command to eventually go two sets up.
Berrettini responded well to keep himself in contention but there was no way that Sinner was going concede the second-round match – he simply brushed aside that particular setback and proceed, as in the first two sets, to press, and defend when necessary whilst doing his utmost not to let his own level slip, but increase it.
In some ways it was apt that a third tiebreak was required but fans can be assured that Berrettini is very much back, especially on grass, despite having to bow out to his younger compatriot on this occasion.
