Matteo Berrettini wins the ATP 250 tournament in Marrakech by beating the 31-year-old Spaniard Roberto Carballès Baena 7-5 6-2 in the final in one hour and 46 minutes. It is the eighth tournament won in his career, the fourth on clay for the 27-year-old Roman, former world no.6, who has been out of action for six months with a series of injuries and is slowly regaining his form. After the final at the Challenger tournament in Phoenix and the elimination in the first round at the ATP 1000 in Miami, he is now returning to success in an ATP 250 tournament and climbing up the rankings: when he returned to Phoenix he was over 150th position, now he will be n. 84 in the world.
For Berrettini it was the first final for about a year and a half, i.e. since the one he lost in Naples against Musetti in October 2022. For the Roman, who will blow out 28 candles on Friday, it is the eighth title of his career (six ATP 500 and two 250s): the last joy was at Queen's two years ago. The blue player has played a total of 13 finals at ATP level: five knockouts, including the one in the decisive 2021 Wimbledon match against Serbian Novak Djokovic.
“This is just the beginning”
Matteo Berrettini has found his smile again. “I'm very happy. I thank everyone who hosted us here in Marrakech. The tournament has become more and more beautiful and competitive over the years. Then obviously I thank my team. The last two years have been tough, my body wasn't responding at its best and they helped me get through everything. A kiss to my mother, who celebrates her birthday today, and to all those who supported me even in difficult times.” Thus the Roman tennis player, during the awards ceremony, after the success in the «Grand Prix Hassan II», an ATP 250 tournament with a total prize money of 579,320 euros, which took place on the red clay of Marrakech. «All the Italians cheered for me: I thank you all. This is just the beginning», added Berrettini.