Berrettini Battles Back to Roland Garros Quarterfinals for First Time Since 2021
PARIS – Matteo Berrettini is back in the French Open quarterfinals for the first time in five years, defeating Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(6) on Monday. The 30-year-old Italian, who arrived in Paris ranked world No. 105, became the lowest-ranked men's quarterfinalist at Roland Garros since 2007, according to Reuters.
Berrettini saved three set points in the third set before closing out the match on his first match point. The victory came just two days after he saved two match points in a five-hour, 10-point third-round tiebreaker win over Francisco Comesana. “I was just telling myself I deserve to be here,” Berrettini said after that epic battle, per Tennis.com.
He next faces the winner of Frances Tiafoe versus fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
Cerundolo's Breakthrough Run Ends
Cerundolo, 24, saw his magical run end after spending more than 12 hours on court across three rounds. He famously upset world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the second round, then defeated Martin Landaluce in a five-hour, 58-minute marathon—the third-longest match in Roland Garros history. Against Berrettini, the Argentine appeared physically drained, unable to replicate the energy that carried him through those earlier battles.
Why This Matters: A Comeback Years in the Making
Berrettini's return to the quarterfinals is remarkable given his recent history. After making the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 2021, he missed the next four editions due to a series of injuries. The 2021 run had marked him as a rising star—he also reached the Wimbledon final that year and the US Open quarterfinals in 2022. But multiple physical setbacks derailed his career, dropping him outside the top 100.
“I was just telling myself I deserve to be here,” Berrettini repeated after his third-round escape, a sentiment that now carries extra weight. His path has not been easy: he needed four sets to beat No. 22 Arthur Rinderknech in the second round, and his third-round match against Comesana lasted five hours, with Berrettini winning 7-6, 5-7, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6.
A New Chapter On and Off the Court
Off the court, Berrettini has also drawn attention for his relationship with professional hip-hop dancer Vanessa Bellini, whom he met at a Marracash concert in Turin in June 2025. Bellini, a former contestant on the Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi, performed at the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony. The couple went Instagram official in October 2025, and Bellini celebrated Berrettini's 30th birthday in April. However, she has yet to attend one of his professional matches, according to Town & Country.
What This Changes for the Tournament and Beyond
Berrettini's resurgence adds unpredictability to a men's draw that has already seen major upsets. With top seed Jannik Sinner eliminated and Carlos Alcaraz still in the draw, the Italian's heavy serve and powerful forehand make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. His quarterfinal berth also signals that veteran experience can still prevail in an era dominated by younger stars.
For Berrettini personally, the run validates his decision to prioritize health over quick returns. He has spoken openly about the mental toll of repeated injury setbacks, and his ability to win long matches—including two five-setters in Paris—suggests his body is finally holding up.
Broader Trends at Roland Garros
Berrettini is not the only veteran making noise. The tournament has seen several older players advance deep into the draw, hinting at a shift where experience and tactical maturity can offset youthful athleticism. Meanwhile, the men's quarterfinals feature a mix of familiar names and breakout stories, with players like Joao Fonseca—who beat Casper Ruud after his stunning win over Djokovic—adding fresh energy.
The women's draw has also seen its share of surprises, with Marta Kostyuk ousting defending champion Iga Swiatek, guaranteeing a first-time women's champion. That unpredictability mirrors the men's side, where Berrettini's run feels like a throwback to his 2021 peak—but also a reminder that careers can be revived.
For fans who enjoy following the broader tennis landscape, the 2026 World Cup Groups Finalized announcement offers another dose of international sports drama as Paris gears up for summer competition.
Looking Ahead
Berrettini's quarterfinal opponent will be determined by Tuesday's matches. If he faces Tiafoe, expect a power-baseline battle; if it's Arnaldi, an all-Italian clash with national pride on the line. Either way, Berrettini has already exceeded expectations—and proven that injuries, no matter how many, cannot fully extinguish talent.
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