The 2024 tennis season is fast approaching its tail end. And, along with the players, the umpires are also showing signs of being stretched in the long season. The latest incident highlighting mental fatigue occurred during the Matteo Berrettini vs. Marton Fucsovics clash in the first round of the Vienna Open 2024.
Berrettini won the toss and elected to receive. But the chair umpire announced that the Italian wanted to serve. This resulted in the ballboys offering the balls to the 28-year-old.
The player from Rome walked over to the net instantly and corrected the umpire, who apologised saying he was “sorry about it”. He then asked the balls to be passed to the other side of the court.
The commentators had a good laugh and explained the situation to the viewers.
“Don’t see that too often… The chair umpire misunderstood the decision by the sign of things. All sorted out, we are good to go,” the commentator said.
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The former World No.6 didn’t let the pre-match “unforced error” distract him. Berrettini, coming from a loss in Sweden defeated the Hungarian 7-5, 6-4. The 28-year-old had crashed out of the Stockholm Open in the round-of-16 stage, losing to 258th-ranked Dominic Stricker.
Berrettini would definitely be pleased with the way he began the ATP 500 tournament in Vienna. However, he has quite a bit of challenges between him and a potential fourth title of the year.
Berrettini could face Frances Tiafoe in the second round
Berrettini has had a flawless record against opponents ranked lower than him in 2024. This streak, however, snapped in the straight-sets loss to Stricker in Stockholm.
His performance in the Austrian capital on Monday suggests he’s seeking redemption. Fans of the Italian star will also be pleased to learn that he is feeling pumped.
“I think it was a really good match. I served really well and I always like to play here. I was really pumped before coming here and I’m thrilled to be in the second round. I know it’s a tough tournament, but I love to be here. The crowd is great, the court is really nice and I like the conditions, so I’m looking forward to the next match,” Berrettini said.
The 6ft 5” player’s draw is tough though. He is likely to play Frances Tiafoe in the second round.
If Berrettini orchestrates an upset, he could face #4 Tommy Paul in the quarterfinal, #2 Alex de Minaur in the semifinal, and it could be #1 Alexander Zverev waiting for him in the final.
The task is certainly cut out for him, and, if he can maintain his opening-round form, the Italian might just enjoy a deep run in the tournament.
