MATTEO BERRETTINI has rubbished claims that his relationship with Melissa Satta is damaging his tennis profession.
The injury-plagued Italian has seen his rating tumble from a career-high No6 final yr to his present slot at No22.
Matteo Berrettini has begun courting Melissa SattaCredit score: The Mega Company
The couple’s relationship emerged earlier this yrCredit score: The Mega Company
Berrettini has struggled to hit high kind in 2023Credit score: Getty
Berrettini, 27, missed the whole thing of the clay court docket season final yr after present process hand surgical procedure, earlier than returning to kind on the grass.
After producing chic performances on the way in which to titles at Stuttgart and Queen’s, the cursed star was compelled to drag out of Wimbledon on the eve of the match after testing optimistic for Covid.
Berrettini has been in a position to play a comparatively full schedule to date this yr, with out choosing up many notable outcomes.
In Italy, some have tried to attribute his lack of kind to his new relationship with girlfriend Melissa.
However forward of this week’s Monte Carlo Masters 1000 occasion, Berrettini rubbished any such claims.
He stated: “I can’t conceive how a relationship can permit you to not do your job, however individuals speak.
“We dwell within the period of social media, the place everybody can say something and it appears to me as if common schooling has been misplaced. Ultimately, nonetheless, I’m glad, that is what issues.”
Satta, 36, is a former Maxim mannequin and was beforehand married to footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng between 2016 and 2020.
Berrettini, 27, was noticed figuring out with Melissa in MiamiCredit score: Splash
Melissa is a former Maxim mannequinCredit score: Instagram
Melissa Satta was married to Kevin-Prince Boateng between 2016 and 2020Credit score: Discuss with Caption
On criticism of his performances from the Italian media, Berrettini added: “It makes me smile, on the one hand it’s optimistic as a result of it implies that tennis is among the hottest sports activities in Italy. Everybody talks about it and sees me round.”
On the actual supply of his struggles, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist defined: “In recent times I’ve at all times gone to 6 thousand, I’ve performed many video games and sadly I’ve suffered many accidents.
“I paid the value for this routine.”
Berrettini’s finest run of 2023 previous to this week got here in the beginning of January, when he helped Italy to the ultimate of the United Cup.
He didn’t construct on that success on the Australian Open, nonetheless, dropping in 5 epic units to an impressed Andy Murray Down Below.
After a run to the Acapulco quarter-finals he was overwhelmed by Taro Daniel in Indian Wells and Mackenzie McDonald in Miami – even dropping in a Challenger quarter-final in between.
Berrettini is into the second spherical in Monte Carlo this week, having overwhelmed serve and volleyer Maxime Cressy 6-4, 6-2 in his opener.
He’ll tackle Francisco Cerundolo on Courtroom des Princes later this afternoon.
Berrettini, 27, gained his Monte Carlo opener towards Maxime CressyCredit score: AFP
Melissa was within the Monte Carlo crowd cheering Berrettini onCredit score: Rex