Matteo Berrettini used his grass-court savvy to overcome a spirited challenge from France's Arthur Fils, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the first round of Wimbledon on Tuesday. The Italian, a former finalist at the All England Club, needed two hours and 41 minutes to dispatch the 20-year-old, who fought tenaciously throughout.
Berrettini's Experience Tells
Berrettini, ranked 26th, relied on his booming serve and heavy forehand to dictate play. He fired 18 aces and won 82 percent of his first-serve points, according to match statistics. The 28-year-old broke Fils once in each set, capitalizing on key moments. "I knew it would be tough against Arthur. He's a great player with a bright future," Berrettini said in his on-court interview. "I just tried to stay focused and use my experience on grass."
Fils Shows Promise Despite Defeat
Fils, ranked 37th, displayed his trademark feistiness and athleticism, saving five break points in the second set to force a tiebreak. However, Berrettini's composure under pressure proved decisive. The Frenchman committed 35 unforced errors, compared to Berrettini's 22, and struggled to convert his break opportunities, going 0 for 4. "Arthur pushed me to my limits. He has incredible speed and shot-making ability," Berrettini added. "I had to be very precise with my tactics."
Grass-Court Pedigree Shines
Berrettini, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2021 and the semifinals in 2023, improved his career record at the tournament to 18-4. His victory sets up a second-round meeting with either Alex de Minaur or Francisco Cerundolo. The Italian's ability to adapt to the low bounce and slippery footing of grass was evident as he repeatedly charged the net, winning 21 of 30 net approaches. Fils, meanwhile, will look to build on this performance as he continues his development on the ATP Tour.
