Matteo Berrettini’s resurgence continued at the Erste Bank Open as he overcame a spirited challenge from Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set encounter. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist, who had endured a recent slump, displayed resilience and determination to secure a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory.
Berrettini, seeded fifth in Vienna, started strongly, breaking Tiafoe’s serve in the opening set and serving it out to love. The second set proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Berrettini appeared poised to close out the match at 5-3, but Tiafoe fought back with a break and forced a tiebreaker. The American saved two match points in the tiebreaker and eventually prevailed 8-6.
Undeterred, Berrettini regrouped in the third set and broke Tiafoe’s serve early on. Tiafoe once again showed his fighting spirit, breaking back and threatening a comeback from 5-2 down. However, Berrettini held his nerve and sealed the victory on his fifth match point.
The match lasted three hours and two minutes, showcasing the intense battle between the two players. Berrettini’s victory marks his first back-to-back ATP match wins since July and sets up a quarterfinal clash with either Brandon Nakashima or Karen Khachanov.
Tiafoe, who reached the semifinals of the US Open earlier this year, has struggled for consistency since then. However, his performance in Vienna suggests that he is gradually regaining his form.
