Healthy Berrettini back in third round

Whether Matteo Berrettini is better than ever at Roland-Garros this year might be up for debate.

But the former Wimbledon finalist is back, literally, at the tournament for the first time in five years in 2026 - and a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over No.22 seed Arthur Rinderknech on Thursday night on Court Philippe-Chatrier has put him into the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time since 2023.

After his opening round victory, from a set down against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics, the former world No.6 said that his "resilient mind" has been the key to overcoming the litany of injuries he's experienced since the watershed moments of his career earlier this decade.

One of those was a quarterfinal effort at Roland-Garros in 2021, which also marked his last time on the tournament's biggest stage until he sank the hopes of the highest-ranked Frenchman in the draw in 2 hours and 17 minutes.

And following the exit of world No.1 Jannik Sinner earlier in the day, a player of Berrettini's caliber knows the opportunity that's now in front of him to go even further.

No.19 seed Frances Tiafoe is now the highest-ranked player left in the top quarter, and though he might not have a seed next to his name, no man will be overlooking a resurgent Berrettini.

He alluded to as much in his on-court interview afterwards.

"It’s been a journey. ... Many injuries. Many bad moments. I missed this tournament so much," he told former Spanish player Alex Corretja.

"I’m so glad I’m back here. I’m playing really high-level tennis. I’m enjoying my time on court. I have an unbelievable team that supports me. I’m happy for this win. But the tournament is not done yet."

More to come...

Click here to read article