Berrettini satisfied with his first round in Stockholm: "I fought very well"

Matteo Berrettini made a successful start against his compatriot Giulio Zeppieri at the Stockholm tournament.

Berrettini is smiling again. The Italian, now world No. 61 and still affected by injuries this season, dominated his compatriot Giulio Zeppieri in the first round of the ATP 250 tournament in Stockholm (6-4, 6-2).

This victory will allow him to play in the round of 16 against Ugo Humbert on Thursday. The former top 10 player, a Wimbledon finalist in 2021, reacted to this success against his compatriot, only his second since the start of the Asian tour for him.

"I think I fought very well. I know Giulio (Zeppieri) even though we had never met before. I knew he played well, I started the match with the right mental approach and that's the most important thing, especially in the first match of a tournament, where you have to adapt to the conditions.

I felt better and better, point after point. I hope to do better than last year (he lost in the round of 16 to Stricker), I love playing here. The people cheer for me as they did a year ago.

There is also a good group of Italians in Stockholm, they have a very good Italian restaurant. If you want good pasta in Stockholm, go there and try it," said Berrettini, 29, to Tennis World Italia.