Matteo Berrettini has recently spoken out against claims that his relationship with Melissa Satta is causing a negative impact on his career. Berrettini’s poor performance during the 2023 season has been widely discussed in tennis circles, with some suggesting that his alleged lack of work ethic and prioritization of his relationship are the underlying reasons for unsuccessful results. However, the tennis player has since emphasized the positive side of this attention, shedding light on his perspective on the criticisms he has received.
Former Italian player criticizes Matteo Berrettini’s work ethic
On February 18, former Italian tennis player Nicola Pietrangeli criticized Berrettini’s work ethic, saying that the athlete might be dedicating more time to advertising than tennis. Fans also criticized Berrettini and his girlfriend, Melissa Satta, for enjoying a day at the beach despite his lackluster performance. Addressing the criticism in an interview with Eurosport on April 9, Berrettini commented that the scrutiny he has faced is a testament to tennis being a popular sport in Italy.
Refuting claims that his relationship is affecting his career
Berrettini also addressed the idea that his relationship with Satta is negatively affecting his career. Questioning the absurdity of such allegations, he touched on the role of social media in perpetuating baseless criticisms. Ultimately, the 26-year-old tennis player stated that his happiness in his relationship is what matters most to him.
Recurring injury woes and preparation for Monte-Carlo Masters
In the same interview, Berrettini attributed his recurring injuries to the hectic tournament schedules he has faced in recent years. He admitted, “I paid the price for this routine.” Despite these injury struggles, Berrettini has been working conscientiously in preparation for the Monte-Carlo Masters, adding that he is putting in significant effort to play as many games as possible. On April 10, Matteo Berrettini is set to face Maxime Cressy in his opening match in Monte-Carlo.