Matteo Berrettini was once one of the players who could become a menace to the rest of the ATP field. But after too many injuries, he wasn't available for many tournaments, and wasn't in great form when he could play. At the 2026 French Open, though, he might be back in full flight.
In his fourth-round match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Berrettini moved well, hit with force, and was the better player, even though Cerundolo is at his best on clay. The Argentine reached the fourth round in part because he defeated a wilted Jannik Sinner in the second round. Many didn't believe Berrettini or Cerundolo would go this deep at Roland Garros.
Berrettini has the skill set to be great. His forehand is among the biggest and best in tennis when he is completely healthy. He can overpower weaker opponents, such as Cerundolo.
Matteo Berrettini is into the quarterfinals of the 2026 French Open
But the match was certainly not easy, even as the Argentinian appeared to struggle with an injury in the third set. Maybe it was simply cramping, but he wasn't moving as well until late in the set after he had dropped the first two 3-6 6-7(2).
In the third set, Berrettini was able to stay even while committing too many unforced errors. He was simply better in the bigger points. This was especially true in the tie-break of set three after Cerundolo jumped out to a 6-3 lead. The Italian won the next five points to advance to the quarterfinals.
Matteo Berrettini, who has been ranked as high as No. 6 but is currently ranked No. 74 in the live ATP rankings, was forced to miss the four most recent French Opens. He simply couldn't stay healthy. The last year he played in Paris was in 2021, when he reached the quarterfinals. He has now matched that best-ever finish.
He will next play the winner of the Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Arnaldi match in the quarterfinals. While Italians everywhere are likely unhappy that Sinner washed out so quickly at Roland Garros, they must be happy that countrymen still have a chance to take home the trophy.
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