After months of frustration, injuries, and long silences, Matteo Berrettini has finally delivered a message to his fans in Tokyo — and the tennis world is listening.
Return from the Wilderness
Berrettini has spent much of 2025 in the shadows, hampered by injury and inconsistency. What started out as a promising season, aided by fitness coach Umberto Ferrara and a return to the Top 30 in the ATP rankings, was derailed by an abdominal injury at the Madrid Open.
That setback forced him to withdraw from Roland Garros and the US Open, leaving him struggling to regain momentum ever since.
He made a tentative return at the Hangzhou ATP 250 but failed to gain traction. Then came Tokyo. In the Japanese capital, Berrettini finally turned the page.
A Win Worth Its Weight
Berrettini faced Jaume Munar of Spain in the ATP 500’s first round in Tokyo. He fought hard and won convincingly, 6-4, 6-2. It was his first official match victory since May, breaking a frustrating streak of months without success on tour.
His performance was emphatic, with 79% of first-serve points won, nine aces, no double faults, and all eight break points saved. Offensively, he hit 32 winners (23 forehands) and converted three breaks. In short, there was fire in his forehand again, indicating that the Berrettini we knew wasn’t quite finished.
The Message to Tokyo
After the match, Berrettini paused, looked toward the crowd, and spoke from the heart:
“I’m happy to have achieved my first win in Japan and I hope to make other excellent performances here.”
“I haven’t won an official match since May, so it’s a good feeling after so many months. The crowd was exceptional towards me and I can’t wait to get back on the court.”
“I played well and I think I’ll play even better in a few days.”
It was a message of hope, gratitude, and resolve — not just for the fans in Tokyo, but for himself. After a difficult stretch, he acknowledged the crowd’s support, the relief of returning to winning ways, and his desire to build on this moment.
Turning a Corner
This isn’t just a “win” for Berrettini; it could be a turning point. Injuries have long hampered his progress, and his absence from major tournaments (including the French and US Opens this year) has been a significant setback. However, in Tokyo, he demonstrated signs of a comeback: confidence in his serve, control under pressure, and a mental readiness to compete again.
Berrettini will face either Casper Ruud (fourth seed) or wildcard Shintaro Mochizuki in the second round. It remains to be seen whether he can continue his ascent — but for the time being, Tokyo has been reminded that Matteo is still alive, fighting, and capable of great things.
What Fans Can Take Away
Resilience matters: This isn’t a casual comeback — it’s one born from injury setbacks and long droughts.
Momentum is fragile: One win doesn’t erase months of struggle, but it can reset belief.
Connection with fans counts: Berrettini’s message showed he values the fans’ support, especially in a place far from home.
Cautious optimism is warranted: He’s not “back” fully yet — but this Tokyo moment gives us reason to hope.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Berrettini. If he continues to fight, improves his form, and remains healthy, Tokyo could be the start of a new journey. Matteo’s message to the fans there—and everywhere—is clear: he’s back, he feels your energy, and he’s ready to go again.