Matteo Berrettini has set his sights on winning Wimbledon for the first time after successfully defending his Queen’s title.
The Italian admitted in the aftermath of his 7-5, 6-4 victory over Filip Krajinovic that he had feared he would not be able to make the Wimbledon draw because of a hand injury.
But he has won both his tournaments since his return to action — sealing the Stuttgart Open by beating Andy Murray in the final before winning the Cinch Championships yesterday.
Of completing a hat-trick of grasscourt titles this summer, Berrettini said: “That is the goal, I guess. I know it is not going to be easy, I know it is not going to be something that will happen just because I want it to.
“But I am always the kind of guy pushing through the limits. I’d lie if I told you that the main goal is not to win Wimbledon but it is not going to be easy.”
Berrettini made the final a year ago — his first in a Grand Slam — but lost in four sets against Novak Djokovic. “It was the best result in my career,” he said of his Wimbledon run a year ago.
“It was a great moment but, if I’m going to reach the finals this year, I’m going to be more ready, I’m going to know what to expect. I have more experience now.”
Ten days out from Stuttgart, Berrettini was still feeling pain in his right hand and it was lacking strength. Having proved his fitness, he warned he would only get better on the grass.
“My level of tennis is getting higher the more that I play. That is why I am confident for Wimbledon,” he said.
