At the ATP Challenger Tour 175 event in Phoenix, Matteo Berrettini made a late charge on Friday to maintain his comeback week.
After two hours and forty-eight minutes, the Italian, who is participating in his first competition after a six-month injury layoff, defeated Frenchman Arthur Cazaux 3-6, 6-1, 7-5. Rain forced the suspension of the second-round match on Thursday, following a first-set victory by Cazaux. Friday’s start time at the Phoenix Country Club was pushed to 5:30 p.m. due to the persistent rain.
After this win, Berrettini won his second match of 2024 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Arizona Tennis Classic.
Berrettini said with a laugh: “Unbelievable match. It took me two days. I am really happy to win this match. I’m really glad that I’m here playing and enjoying my time on the court. Let’s try and do one more.”
Magic 🎱 says "yes" to Quarterfinals#ATPChallenger | @aztennisclassic pic.twitter.com/iDChpnujqD
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 16, 2024
Berrettini in the Phoenix Challenger, ranking, and results in 2024
Now the world no.154, Matteo owns a compiled 2-0 record in 2024. The Italian is competing in the Phoenix Challenger where he conquered the world no.85 Hugo Gaston 3-6 6-3 6-1 and the world no.77 Arthur Cazaux 3-6 6-1 7-5.
Matteo Berrettini will compete against the world no.136 Terence Atmane in the quarter. In the past, they have never competed against each other till now in top events.
Berrettini won 7 titles in his career: 3 on clay courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)