Matteo Berrettini confident of putting Indian Wells and Miami disappointment behind with strong return to clay

Matteo Berrettini is putting the past behind him after a string of losses in the US leg of the ATP Tour. The Italian player claims to have made progress on the practice court and is confident for the upcoming clay season.

Berrettini had unexpectedly underwhelming results at the Indian Wells Masters, Arizona Tennis Classic in Phoenix, and at the Miami Open. The Italian only made it to the second round of the ATP 1000 Masters tournaments, - Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open - and reached the quarterfinals of the Arizona Tennis Classic.

The World No. 26 was defeated by an unseeded Taro Daniel in the round of 64 at the BNP Paribas Open 7-6(5), 0-6, 6-3. At the Challenger Phoenix, he was ousted by World No. 101 Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Lastly, at the Miami Open, he lost a tight contest against American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6(8), 7-6(5).

Following these results, Berrettini has shared an update with his fans via Instagram as he is now gearing up for the upcoming clay season. The Italian claims to have made progress on the court and thanked his fans for their continued support.

"Not the results I hoped for in Indian Wells, Phoenix, and Miami. But a lot of progress has been made on the practice court. My focus now shifts to the clay court season. Looking forward to a strong training block before my first event in Monte Carlo. Thank you for the continued support," Berrettini captioned the post.

Matteo Berrettini's brother Jacopo Berrettini defends his brother amidst poor performances

Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini's brother Jacopo Berrettini is defending his brother amidst intense scrutiny over his performances and personal life.

Although ups and downs in one's tennis career are common, Berrettini has been receiving flak and not just for his performances on the tennis courts. He has also faced criticism for his recent relationship with Italian television presenter Melissa Satta.

Jacopo Berrettini, who is also a tennis player, is calling out the disrespectful comments his brother has to overcome due to his new relationship. In an interview with OA Sports, the younger Berrettini defended his older brother.

"I think he replied with a very recent interview and there is not much to say or add to what he said. It seems to me very bad and disrespectful to question something that is very beautiful, because we know how beautiful a human relationship or a relationship like that can be."

Berrettini also discussed how being a famous tennis player also exposes his brother to scrutiny.

"Surely his work leads him to expose himself a little more. I don't feel like saying anything other than what he said. Everything he's experiencing isn't affecting his tennis, but rather other things, one of them being his injuries."

Matteo Berrettini will next be seen competing at the Monte Carlo Masters, which commences on 8 April.