Can Berrettini and Ruud Prevail in Their Third-Round Showdown in Rome?

Rome, May 10 (NationPress) Matteo Berrettini managed to fend off a powerful resurgence in the second set, harnessing the energy of a lively crowd to defeat Jacob Fearnley at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Saturday, marking a remarkable return to Rome.

The local favorite, making his first appearance at the Italian ATP Masters 1000 since 2021, showcased some breathtaking shot-making to advance past Fearnley with a score of 6-4, 7-6(0) and secure his place in the third round. Berrettini rallied from a 3-5 deficit in the second set, saving two set points with impressive volley winners before sealing a hard-earned victory after one hour and 55 minutes.

In another surprising turn of events, Marcos Giron shocked his fellow countryman and fourth seed Taylor Fritz with a score of 7-6(4), 7-6(3), advancing to the third round at a clay-court Masters 1000 for the second time in his career (Rome 2022). The 31-year-old initially fell behind 0-4 in the second set but demonstrated exceptional court craft to claw back and frustrate his higher-ranked opponent, concluding the match after one hour and 45 minutes.

In other matches, Fabian Marozsan triumphed over the 16th seed Andrey Rublev with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, marking his second victory over a Top-20 player on clay. The Hungarian, who notably defeated Carlos Alcaraz in Rome in 2023, fired 33 winners compared to Rublev’s 32 in a high-octane clash, equalizing their Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 2-2.

Eleventh seed Tommy Paul smoothly advanced past Roberto Autista Agut with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-4, setting up a third-round encounter with Tomas Machac. The Czech player overcame #NextGenATP Learner Tien 6-4, 6-4.

Berrettini, who had to withdraw against Jack Draper in the third round in Madrid due to an abdominal injury, returned to action in Rome with unwavering determination. Although Fearnley found his rhythm and tested Berrettini’s limits in the second set, the 29th seed dug deep to reclaim the break and triumph in a solid tie-break.

The former No. 6 in the PIF ATP Rankings and a Rome native, Berrettini had his best performance in the capital by reaching the quarter-finals in 2020, but injuries and illness sidelined him from the clay-court Masters since 2021. His return this year was a poignant one: he raised his arms in triumph and let out a victorious roar to the passionate fans inside Campo Centrale.

After improving his record to 8-5 in the Italian capital, Berrettini will next take on Madrid champion Casper Ruud, who maintained his form with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Alexander Bublik. The sixth seed stood firm against some electrifying shot-making from Bublik, who delivered a series of stunning drop volleys that ignited hopes of a comeback.

However, Ruud kept his composure in a decisive final set, during which he did not face a single break point, according to Infosys ATP Stats. After extending his winning streak to seven matches, the 26-year-old aims to sustain his momentum in Rome, where he has reached the semi-finals three times (2020, 2022-23).