As the professional tennis circuit gears up for the Japan Open, eyes will be on Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, a player who has shown glimpses of brilliance but is also striving to regain his form after some recent setbacks. Last year, Berrettini faced a surprising defeat against France’s rising star Arthur Fils in Tokyo—a result that left many fans wondering if the Italian could bounce back. Now, with the 2024 Japan Open on the horizon, Berrettini is determined to reassert himself as one of the top contenders on the ATP Tour.

Berrettini’s journey in 2024 has been a roller coaster of mixed performances. Known for his powerful serve and aggressive forehand, his game style and physicality have earned him multiple deep runs in major tournaments, including a Wimbledon final appearance in 2021 and reaching the semifinals of the US Open in 2019. However, injuries and bouts of inconsistency have affected his momentum recently. The loss to Arthur Fils at Tokyo not only ended his hopes prematurely but also served as a reminder of the intense competition among the new generation of players. Fils, a highly talented teenager, has been making waves with his fearless game, proving that tennis is in good hands moving forward.

The Japan Open, held annually in Tokyo, is a significant ATP 500 event, attracting a strong field of players, and this year is no exception. Scheduled from September 24 to October 1, the tournament showcases a blend of established stars and ambitious rising players. Alongside Berrettini, top seeds include Norway’s Casper Ruud, the American Tommy Paul, and Canada’s Denis Shapovalov—all players with the capability to deliver captivating matches. Berrettini knows he will face stiff competition, including players like Ugo Humbert, Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, and Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who are all skilled and experienced competitors. Navigating such a draw will require not only physical fitness but also immense mental resilience.

Historically, the Japan Open has been a launching pad for many careers since its inception in 1973. It stood out as one of the few major tennis events in Asia during the 1970s and 1980s and has witnessed legends like Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer claim titles. For Berrettini, performing well here could be a timely confidence boost as the ATP Tour shifts towards the indoor hard-court season.

Berrettini’s campaign will open with a first-round match against an opponent yet to be confirmed, and the immediate goal is simple: get past this initial hurdle with focus and composure. His style—built around a dominant serve and heavy groundstrokes—is well-suited to the typically fast courts in Tokyo, but success will depend on his ability to remain mentally strong in tight moments. Tennis is as much a psychological battle as a physical one, and Berrettini’s growth over the years has shown that he understands how crucial mental toughness is.

Looking beyond Tokyo, Berrettini’s schedule includes the Stockholm Open, an ATP 250 event that often features a slightly less stacked field than ATP 500 or Masters 1000 tournaments. This allows players like Berrettini, who is on the cusp of returning to their peak, an opportunity to gain ranking points and build momentum. The indoor hard courts in Stockholm have proved favorable to Berrettini’s powerful style in the past. Winning here or making a deep run could solidify his standing and boost his chances heading into the crucial stretches of the season.

While the focus remains on the imminent tournaments, it’s worth noting Berrettini’s journey to the upper echelons of tennis is marked by resilience and evolution. Born in Rome in 1996, Berrettini burst onto the scene with a unique blend of power and finesse. His breakthrough came in 2019, when he won his first ATP title in Budapest. He continued to impress with his run to the Wimbledon final in 2021, the first Italian male player to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Adriano Panatta sold the French Open in 1976. This feat placed him among the ranks of Italy’s tennis greats and fueled the wave of enthusiasm for the sport across his home country.

Injuries did temper Berrettini’s rush, causing him to miss parts of previous seasons, but his commitment to fitness and refinements in his game indicate that he has the tools to return to regular contention at the highest level. His improved movement and now more varied shot selection demonstrate his determination to adapt in a tour that is increasingly dominated by players who combine power with versatility.

As the Japan Open begins, tennis fans will be captivated by Berrettini’s quest to reclaim his status. The tournament offers a unique litmus test given the competitive field and high stakes of an ATP 500 event late in the season. Whether or not he can navigate through the draw, his tenacity and fighting spirit will be on full display. In tennis, winning is always the ultimate goal, but the sport is also about resilience, about pushing boundaries with grit and passion.

Matteo Berrettini embodies this spirit perfectly—a player who knows that every match is an opportunity to define and refine his career. As he steps onto the courts in Tokyo, he will be playing not just for points or titles, but to remind the tennis world that he remains a formidable contender, ready to challenge any opponent and seize the moment.