Berrettini Berrettini: The Next Tennis Superstar?
Matteo Berrettini, the towering Italian with a thunderous serve and a game tailor-made for modern tennis, has long been touted as a future Grand Slam champion.
Since his breakthrough at Wimbledon in 2021, where he reached the final, the narrative around him has oscillated between unbridled optimism and cautious skepticism.
But as injuries and inconsistency plague his career, a critical question emerges: Is Berrettini truly the next tennis superstar, or is his potential being overstated? While Berrettini possesses the raw talent and physical attributes to dominate men’s tennis, his susceptibility to injuries, one-dimensional playing style, and the relentless competition of the Next Gen raise serious doubts about his ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
Berrettini’s strengths are undeniable.
Standing at 6’5”, he boasts one of the most formidable serves in the game a weapon that has propelled him to multiple ATP titles and deep Grand Slam runs.
His 2021 Wimbledon final appearance, where he pushed Novak Djokovic to four sets, showcased his ability to thrive on the biggest stages.
Statistical analysis supports his elite status on grass and fast hard courts.
According to, Berrettini’s first-serve win percentage (85% in 2021) ranks among the best in the sport.
His forehand, a heavy, topspin-laden stroke, allows him to dictate play, while his improved net game honed under coach Vincenzo Santopadre makes him a threat in all-court exchanges.
Moreover, his marketability as Italy’s leading male player cannot be ignored.
With endorsements from Nike and Rolex, Berrettini has the charisma and appeal to transcend the sport, much like his compatriot Jannik Sinner.
However, a deeper examination reveals troubling limitations.
His backhand remains a glaring weakness a liability that top opponents ruthlessly exploit.
At the 2022 US Open, Pablo Carreño Busta dismantled Berrettini by relentlessly targeting his one-handed backhand, exposing its lack of versatility under pressure.
Injuries have been even more detrimental.
Since 2022, Berrettini has missed significant time due to abdominal tears, hand surgeries, and ankle issues.
A report (2023) highlighted that he has withdrawn from eight tournaments in two years, raising concerns about his durability.
Unlike Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic who adapted their games to extend their primes Berrettini’s power-centric style may be unsustainable long-term.
The rise of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune has reshaped men’s tennis.
These players combine Berrettini’s power with superior movement and tactical flexibility.
Alcaraz’s US Open victory at 19 underscored the new standard: explosive athleticism all-court mastery.
Berrettini, now 28, is no longer a young prospect.
While late bloomers like Stan Wawrinka exist, the current landscape demands consistency that Berrettini has yet to demonstrate.
His ranking drop from No.
6 in 2022 to outside the top 100 in 2024 (per ATP) suggests a troubling trajectory.
Tennis analysts remain split.
Brad Gilbert, in an interview (2023), argued that Berrettini’s serve alone makes him a perennial dark horse at majors.
Conversely, Tumaini Carayol noted that his “predictable patterns” leave him vulnerable against elite returners.
Scholarly research on sports injuries adds weight to skepticism.
A 2023 study in found that players over 6’4” face higher injury risks due to increased biomechanical stress a troubling trend for Berrettini.
Matteo Berrettini’s career stands at a crossroads.
His weapons make him a threat on any given day, but his flaws and fragility cast doubt on his ability to sustain greatness.
While he may yet claim a major title particularly at Wimbledon his path is fraught with obstacles that his younger, more dynamic rivals do not face.
The broader implication is clear: Tennis’ next superstar must be more than a powerful serve and forehand.
In an era defined by versatility and resilience, Berrettini’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the fine line between potential and fulfillment.
Until he overcomes his physical and tactical limitations, the label of “superstar” remains tantalizingly out of reach.