Matteo Berrettini explains how Ivan Ljubicic helped him

Top-ranked Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini worked hard in the pre-season and he remained optimistic that it would eventually pay off. 

Berrettini, ranked at No. 9 in the world, had a big campaign at the Madrid Masters last week as he made the final before losing to German tennis star Alexander Zverev. 

Berrettini, a former world No. 8, was up by a set before Zverev stormed back to win 6-7 (8) 6-4 6-3 and lift his second Madrid Masters title. 

" Actually I work really hard in my pre-season, but I wasn't feeling like really, really good on the court. But I knew that the work that I've done eventually it would have, like, paid off somehow," Berrettini said. 

"I have to say that since I got in Australia and I started the quarantine and the practice and stuff, with my coach we said, Okay, I'm playing good, I'm good. Sometimes is a matter of, like, mental performance, I don't know, or just that your confidence is building up."

Berrettini reveals an Ivan Ljubicic message 

"I spoke to my manager, Ivan Ljubicic. He helped me a way. He just told me he really believes in me. That kind of stuff helps, especially because it's coming from someone, like he had unbelievable career. It really helped me in that way. I felt my team behind my shoulders," Berrettini said. 

"Nothing, yeah. I told you, after I step in in Australia, I felt like I could play that way. That's why I was so upset when I got injured. I was like, Okay, now again I have to come back and get to that level again? It's going to take time. I was upset."

Berrettini's focus now switches to the Rome Masters, where he is hoping to continue his good form. 

Berrettini, who made the Rome Masters quarterfinal last week, will play Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/33v5ASa