Matteo Berrettini’s victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets at the Tokyo Open marked a significant moment in the Italian’s 2024 season.
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Berrettini, who has dealt with numerous injuries and setbacks in recent years, demonstrated a return to form with a commanding performance against the Dutchman. The match ended with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-2, highlighting Berrettini’s dominance from start to finish.
### Berrettini’s Clinical Performance
From the outset, Berrettini imposed his game on van de Zandschulp, showcasing his signature power, particularly through his serve and forehand. His serve, always a weapon, was virtually untouchable throughout the match.
Berrettini registered a high first-serve percentage and delivered several aces, making it difficult for van de Zandschulp to establish any rhythm during his return games.
The Italian’s ability to hold serve comfortably gave him the freedom to be more aggressive during return games.
Berrettini’s forehand was also in fine form, dictating rallies and pushing van de Zandschulp deep behind the baseline.
Whenever the Dutchman left any short balls, Berrettini capitalized by stepping inside the court and finishing points with precision.
This aggressive court positioning, combined with the Italian’s powerful groundstrokes, allowed Berrettini to take control of key points and keep van de Zandschulp on the defensive.
### Tactical Brilliance and Mental Toughness
One of the most impressive aspects of Berrettini’s performance was his tactical approach. He mixed up his game, using a variety of spins and heights on his shots to disrupt van de Zandschulp’s rhythm.
He also cleverly utilized drop shots and net approaches, which kept van de Zandschulp guessing and prevented him from getting comfortable in baseline exchanges.
In addition to his tactical brilliance, Berrettini’s mental toughness shone through. After a challenging period marked by injury, Berrettini maintained composure throughout the match, especially in the crucial moments of the first set.
When van de Zandschulp tried to mount a challenge by applying pressure on Berrettini’s serve, the Italian responded with clutch serving and smart shot selection, fending off break points and closing out the set confidently.
### A Resilient Van de Zandschulp, but Overmatched
Van de Zandschulp, known for his grit and ability to play consistently from the baseline, tried to counter Berrettini’s aggression by playing solid defense and extending rallies.
However, he was largely overmatched by Berrettini’s power. Although he managed to hold serve through the early stages of the first set, van de Zandschulp struggled to make any inroads on Berrettini’s serve.
The Dutchman’s second serve was a point of vulnerability, as Berrettini took advantage by attacking his weaker delivery and putting pressure on return games.
In the second set, van de Zandschulp began to show signs of fatigue and frustration as Berrettini continued to raise his level.
His usually reliable baseline game faltered under Berrettini’s relentless power, and his unforced errors began to pile up, giving the Italian even more momentum.
### Turning Points in the Match
The match’s turning point came in the latter stages of the first set. After a relatively tight start, with both players holding serve, Berrettini seized the first opportunity in the ninth game.
With van de Zandschulp serving at 4-5, Berrettini raised his intensity and forced a series of errors from the Dutchman, earning his first break of serve to take the set 6-4.
That break seemed to unlock Berrettini’s confidence, as he quickly took control of the second set. He broke van de Zandschulp early, taking a 3-1 lead, and never looked back.
By the time the second set reached its final stages, Berrettini was fully in command, breaking van de Zandschulp once more and closing out the match with a 6-2 scoreline.
### A Boost of Confidence for Berrettini
This victory was crucial for Berrettini, not only because of the win but because it demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level after a challenging season.
Berrettini has been candid about his struggles with injuries and form in 2024, particularly after missing major portions of the tour earlier in the year. However, his performance in Tokyo suggested that he is finding his rhythm again and is poised to finish the season strongly.
The win over van de Zandschulp also served as a reminder of Berrettini’s potential when healthy. His serve and forehand remain two of the most potent weapons in men’s tennis, and his ability to hit through opponents on hard courts makes him a formidable force.
Berrettini’s movement, often questioned due to his injuries, also appeared sharp, allowing him to cover the court effectively and handle van de Zandschulp’s angles and defensive shots.
### Looking Ahead: Berrettini’s Prospects in Tokyo and Beyond
With this victory, Berrettini advanced to the next round in Tokyo, where he will face a tougher test against higher-seeded players. However, his performance against van de Zandschulp will provide him with much-needed confidence as he continues his campaign.
If he can maintain this level of play, Berrettini has a legitimate shot at making a deep run in the tournament and potentially securing another ATP title.
Looking beyond Tokyo, Berrettini’s resurgence comes at a critical time as he aims to regain his place among the top players in the world.
A strong finish to the season could see him re-establish himself as a contender at major tournaments, including the Australian Open at the start of 2025. Berrettini’s focus now will be on staying healthy and building on the momentum from this win as he works to climb back up the ATP rankings.
### Conclusion
Matteo Berrettini’s straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in Tokyo was an important step in his comeback. His dominant performance, particularly with his serve and forehand, showcased the qualities that have made him one of the most dangerous players on tour when healthy.
With this win, Berrettini sent a message to the tennis world that he is once again a force to be reckoned with. As he continues his campaign in Tokyo, Berrettini will be eager to carry this form forward and reassert himself among the sport’s elite.
