Berrettini, back in the top 30: "Last year, I was training with a lot of questions"

Matteo Berrettini is back in form on the ATP circuit. The Italian, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021, had reached 6th place in the world at his highest ranking, but was then hampered by several injuries that prevented him from maintaining a good level consistently.

Thanks in part to his victory against Novak Djokovic in Doha, Berrettini reached the quarterfinals in Qatar, which allowed him to climb back into the top 30.

And the 28-year-old player doesn't plan to stop there, as he won his first round at the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai against Gaël Monfils (7-5, 6-4).

On the court after his win, Berrettini reflected on the past few months, which have not been easy for him.

"Doha was a very good tournament for me, I played well. I could have also won my quarterfinal. So that gave me confidence coming to Dubai.

I feel the positive energy from the crowd supporting me. I hope it will be a good week as well. Against Gaël, you always have to be ready.

We've faced each other several times. I know his strengths, and he knows mine. I'm proud of how I won the first set, after having let go of a break lead twice.

Being back in the top 30 means a lot to me. Last year, I wasn't even on the court, I wasn't playing.

I was training with a lot of questions. Our sport moves so fast, nothing should ever be taken for granted.

I try not to think that way, but I'm proud of the work I've done with my team, with the people who care about me.

I'm proud of what I'm doing, but I want to do even better. We'll see how things go in the future," said Berrettini, who will face O'Connell in the round of 16 in Dubai.