Second consecutive final for Berrettini!
Matteo Berrettini is a very impressive player when his physique leaves him in peace. Long hampered by his physique, the Italian, who has only played 8 ATP tournaments this season, will nonetheless contest his fourth final of the year (5th if the Challenger circuit is included).
After a successful comeback in Marrakech, where he won the title, the 28-year-old giant suffered a physical setback, staying away from the circuit for several weeks.
The former world No. 6 has now regained his consistency and enjoyed a fine season on grass, reaching the final in Stuttgart (beaten by Draper) and seriously challenging Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon (beaten, 7-6, 7-6, 2-6, 7-6).
Thereafter, despite being deprived of the Olympic Games, he still returned to clay - and with good reason!
After winning the title last week in Gstaad, beating Auger-Aliassime and Tsitsipas, the Transalpine follows up his success in Kitzbuhel.
He defeated Tabilo in the second round and is now back in the final. Bluffing, he will be aiming for a second consecutive title this Saturday.
An imperious 6-4, 6-4 winner over Hanfmann in Friday's semi-finals, the Italian colossus looks set to complete a stunning comeback.
Against an in-form Hanfmann, Berrettini produced another solid match.
Powerful on serve (11 aces, 90% of points won on first ball), he was very aggressive from the baseline, laying down the law with his forehand (28 winners, 6 unforced errors).
He now awaits his opponent in the final. It will be either Diaz Acosta, or the in-form Hugo Gaston, who defeated defending champion Baez in the quarters (7-5, 5-7, 7-6).