The world number 9 is the second Italian man in history to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals and the first in the Open era.
Matteo Berrettini continues to crush everything in his path. In his quarter-final, it was his good friend, the Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who suffered.
The Italian’s 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 success was his 10th consecutive grass court win and his 23rd victory in his last 26 completed matches.
He is now in his second Grand Slam semi-final and his first at Wimbledon. He faces the conqueror of Roger Federer, Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on Friday.
“I’m extremely happy for my win,” said Berrettini. “[I’m happy] for the fact that I’m through to the semis for the first time here in Wimby, for the fact that I really played a tough match, because I wasn’t feeling, unbelievable good, especially after the first set.”
Confident coming into Wimbledon
Berrettini compared his Wimbledon progress with his previous Grand Slam semi-final – the US Open in 2019. Winning his first ATP 500 title on grass at Queen’- meant his expectations were higher this time around.
“Stepping in this tournament, I knew that I could do it,” Berrettini said. “I know that also the run is not over. So, it’s different [to the US Open].
“Before this tournament I just felt that I’m a better player now. I have more experience. I had more matches on my shoulders. Everything that I am achieving, it’s great, but it’s not something that I didn’t expect.”
The Italian’s preparations included spending the previous evening watching Italy’s semi-final win over Spain in the Euro 2020.
“It was such a nice time with Felix. I think it’s so great to have such a relationship, and then we can just play our best during the match and respect each other.
“Also hanging out outside of the court is something that it’s not that common and I really appreciate the fact that it’s happening. Best of luck for him.”
Facing Hubert Hurkacz in Wimbledon semi-finals
Berrettini knows he has a tough opponent in his next match. “Playing Hubert is going to be really tough. He beat Daniil [Medvedev], beat Roger in a row, and he’s feeling good. He’s having a great season so far, so it’s gonna be tough one.”
There will be a first-time Grand Slam finalist in the bottom half of the draw. The Polish No. 1 won their only tour-level meeting in Miami two years ago. “Hubert is having a great season. He won Miami, he is playing good. Beating Federer in three sets means that he’s playing well,” Berrettini said. “But I feel ready, I’m feeling confident. Good luck to him, and let’s see.”
Berrettini’s record puts him in good shape
Berrettini is the no.7 seed and the first man from Italy in the Open Era to make the Wimbledon semi-finals. In fact, there has only been one other Italian ever to get this far, Nicola Pietrangeli in 1960.
Berrettini is now 10-0 this grass-court season, and 11-1 in Grand Slams this year. His only loss at a major came at Roland Garros when he faced Djokovic. At the Australian Open, he gave a walkover to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round due to injury.
Berrettini has a good chance of making it to the final, but his opponent will not be easy to get past.
