“Rafael Nadal was like a bull, energy all over the place” – Matteo Berrettini

Italy’s Matteo Berrettini has shared his admiration for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The Italian recalled the time when Nadal and Federer were at the top of their prowess. Berrettini said Rafael Nadal was like a bull on the court and had a lot of energy.

Nadal is known to give his 120% on the court and has a never-give-up attitude. On the other hand, Roger Federer was known for his panache and impressive game on grass during his heydays.

Meanwhile, Berrettini is currently taking part in the BOSS Open and has advanced to the second round.

“I grew up watching Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal], and they were the guys that you had to watch. Everything they were doing reflected their personality. For example, The look Rafa was playing at the beginning was a sleeveless [top] and long shorts,” Matteo Berrettini said in an interview with Esquire.

“It was like a bull got on the court, and his energy was all over the place. You could feel that this look fits him. If you put that look on anybody [else] on tour, that would have been a disaster,” he added.

Speaking on Roger Federer, Berrettini said, “Or that year when Roger was stepping on court in Wimbledon in like a [military-style suit] jacket, basically a full white tuxedo. He was the only one that could do that, and he pulled it off. So I think looking at them, they made me understand that it’s really important that you feel comfortable in your clothes and in your style when you’re off and on court, because at the end of the day, you have to perform in it.” 

Meanwhile, Berrettini recalled his first match against Federer at the Wimbledon. The Swiss Maestro registered a thumping win of 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 against the Italian.

Berrettini had said earlier in 2023 while talking to Corriere Della Sera, “Federer, without a doubt. The first match against him I didn’t even understand where I was, I was so excited. And I was at Wimbledon. He killed me, but it was wonderful,” Berrettini said.

Federer won Wimbledon eight times, which is the joint-most along with Novak Djokovic.