Matteo Berrettini is back!

Matteo Berrettini is back. After an absence of over 6 months, the Italian made his comeback on Tuesday, on the courts of the Phoenix Challenger 175. It was a winning return for the former world no. 6 and Wimbledon 2021 finalist, who beat France's Hugo Gaston in three sets (3/6, 6/3, 6/1) to qualify for the 2nd round.

Berrettini had not appeared on the ATP Tour since his US Open second-round exit to Arthur Rinderknech on August 29, 2023. Following hand surgery in 2022 and an abdominal injury in April 2023, the 27-year-old Italian injured his right ankle (ruptured ligament) against the Frenchman in New York. He had not fully recovered by the start of the season, and had to postpone his return to competition, forgoing the Australian Open last January.

At the end of last season, Berrettini also took the difficult decision to part company with his long-time coach (since 2011), Vincenzo Santopadre. He is now coached by Spaniard Francisco Roig, who was part of Rafael Nadal's team for 18 years, from 2005 to 2022, taking part in his compatriot's 22 Grand Slam titles.