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Matteo Berrettini is not the only member of the Berrettini family to be competing on the ATP tour this week, as his younger brother Jacopo made his ATP main-draw debut at the ongoing Mexican Open. Sharing the stage with his brother and seeing him succeed at the highest level is 'a privilege' for the older Berrettini brother, who is thrilled to experience the same.
Jacopo, 24, did not win a set in the qualifying rounds of ATP tournaments before going into the Mexican Open. He has now already won three matches in Acapulco. After qualifying, Jacopo entered the Round of 16 on his main-draw debut with a win against Oscar Otte on Wednesday. The Berrettini brothers also competed together in the doubles event.
Matteo Berrettini, currently ranked No. 24, is himself aiming to get back to winning ways after a tough start to the season. But for now, the 26-year-old is cherishing the family experience in Acapulco.
"It's a privilege, it's really nice. I have to thank the tournament for the chance that they gave me and my family and Jacopo as well. Super happy to live this experience and looking forward to have more matches," Berrettini said on the sidelines of the Mexican Open.
The former World No. 6 also shed light on Jacopo's challenges over the last couple of seasons, with the pandemic, injuries, and other factors thwarting his development. Seeing his brother taste success after those challenges is quite special for Matteo himself.
"It was a really, really special moment obviously. Especially because he was having a tough, tough moment in the last couple of years for covid, for so many reasons. He got injured as well many times and he couldn't really perform the way he wanted to. So I was really happy for him," Berrettini said.
A stressed-out Matteo Berrettini was also in the stands for one of his brother's matches.
"You could see, my stress level was very high in the stands," the 2021 Wimbledon finalist expressed.
Meanwhile, Matteo Berrettini himself made it through to the Round of 16 after his first-round opponent Alex Molcan retired from the match with Berrettini leading 6-0, 1-0.
"He's the most important person in my life" - Jacopo on his brother Matteo Berrettini
Jacopo Berrettini recently expressed his love and respect for Matteo Berrettini, calling his older sibling the 'most important person' in his life. The Italian, who received a qualifying wildcard for the 2023 Mexican Open, thanked his brother for always guiding him, not just in tennis, but in life. He further hailed Matteo's personality.
"Without him [none of this] would be possible" Jacopo Berrettini told ATPTour.com. "Not just for the [qualifying] wild card but for everything. He is my inspiration, he's really a true champion and really a very good person.
"For me he's the most important person in my life. I really want to say thanks to him. It's really nice to have him here and in general in my life."
Young Jacopo had a bit of luck on his ATP main-draw debut as he progressed to the next round after Otte retired from their Round-of-16 match early in the deciding set. However, the Italian showed what he is capable of, winning the second set in the tiebreaker after dropping the opening set against a much higher-ranked opponent.
Jacopo Berrettini will now face eighth seed Alex de Minaur in the Round of 16.
