Matteo Berrettini: “I’m a Better Player Than in My 2022 Australian Open Run”

World No. 34 Matteo Berrettini believes he’s technically a stronger player now than when he reached the Australian Open semifinals in 2022.

Returning to Melbourne with a bang, Berrettini fired 32 aces in a powerful 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Cameron Norrie on KIA Arena. The Italian star declared that his current game is more polished than it was three years ago, though he acknowledges his confidence was higher back then.

“I think in that moment I was feeling really confident, but if you look at some highlights and stuff, I don’t think I was playing better in terms of strokes,” Berrettini said. “My backhand is better, my return is better, and there’s still room for improvement, luckily. It’s just a matter of time, matches, and opportunities to play against the best players in the world.”

The 28-year-old will face 13th seed Holger Rune in the third round. Rune, fresh off a grueling five-set win over China’s Zhizhen Zhang, poses a new challenge for Berrettini.

“Next up, Holger. We played a couple of times last year, but never in a slam,” Berrettini noted. “It’s quite different, but I know it’s going to be a tough match. I feel good, I feel confident, and I’m ready for the next one.”