‘Bumpy start’ Matteo Berrettini defeats Brandon Nakashima after mini scare to advance in round 2 of the 2022 Australian Open
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Matteo Berrettini
World No. 7 Matteo Berrettini returns to action with a tough win to begin his 2022 Australian Open campaign. Up against American Brandon Nakashima, the World No. 68, Berrettini was made to work hard before he could win the match point on the Margaret Court Arena.
Berrettini won the match 4-6, 6-2 ,7-6(5), 6-3 after a 3 hour and 10 minute battle on the opening day of the Grand Slam. Given his physical condition not being 100% after his injury at the 2021 ATP Finals, Matteo nevertheless played a thriller to clinch the victory, 7th win from 11 matches at the major as he reaches the 2nd round for the 2nd time in his 5th tournament appearance.
Berrettini hit 21 aces to Brandon’s 12 and won 128 points to the American’s 118 in the marathon match. Despite the loss, it was a good match for the young Brandon who will take confidence from pushing the Italian No. 1 on the ropes before an inspired comeback took out Nakashima out of the contest.
Matteo Berrettini will play Stefan Kozlov in round 2
With a rest day in the middle, Berrettini now has time to recover and take care of his stomach ailment that almost gave him the thought of withdrawing from the match. However, his decision to continue playing has turned out great as he advances ahead into the tournament.
Matteo will now meet wildcard entrant Stefan Kozlov of USA who defeated Jiri Vesely 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 in their meeting on Court 16. It will be the first meeting between the duo and have a massive difference in their ranking as Matteo is ranked 7th while the 23-year old Stefan is 169th in the world.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)