As the Australian Open draws near, many of the world’s top tennis players have already begun their preparations, tuning their skills and building momentum through various official ATP events. Yet, Italy’s Matteo Berrettini is charting a somewhat unconventional path this year—opting not to compete in ATP tournaments ahead of the Grand Slam but instead participating in the Kooyong Classic, an exhibition tournament steeped in tennis history and prestige.
The Kooyong Classic, held annually at the historic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne, serves as a traditional warm-up event for players intending to compete at the Australian Open. Unlike ATP-sanctioned events, it’s a non-ranking exhibition designed to provide players with a competitive yet less pressured environment to fine-tune their games on the Australian hardcourts. This year’s edition, scheduled from January 13th to 15th, boasts a star-studded lineup including notable talents such as Australia’s own Nick Kyrgios, American Frances Tiafoe, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, and Russia’s Karen Khachanov—all sharing the spotlight with Berrettini.
Berrettini’s choice to dedicate his pre-Australian Open preparations to the Kooyong Classic follows a calculated strategy. The Italian, known for his powerful serve and solid baseline game, has enjoyed a promising recent run. His decision to bypass competitive ATP tournaments for a high-profile exhibition event suggests a focus on quality rather than quantity, valuing match practice with top-tier opponents without the strain of ranking points pressure or extended tournament play. This tactic may allow him to conserve energy and build confidence in a more controlled setting, where key aspects like rhythm, timing, and court positioning can be refined against serious competition but without the drag of a grueling draw.
Historically, the Kooyong Classic holds a special place in tennis lore. For much of the 20th century, the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club was the site of the Australian Open until the tournament moved to Melbourne Park in 1988. Since then, the Classic has evolved into a prestigious exhibition that continues to attract elite players eager for tune-up match play on the courts where the Grand Slam will soon be contested. The event, often featuring some of the sport’s brightest stars, offers tennis fans a first glimpse at players’ form and fitness ahead of Australia’s first major of the calendar year.
Berrettini’s participation in this context is more than just a warm-up; it represents a chance to glean critical insights into his readiness. Facing opponents like Kyrgios and Tiafoe—players known for their flair and unpredictability—forces Berrettini to adapt and elevate his game. Meanwhile, as he serves aces and navigates long rallies, each practice match in the Kooyong spotlight becomes a valuable rehearsal. The relaxed yet competitive atmosphere is ideal for ironing out any kinks in his game, particularly given Berrettini’s powerful but sometimes inconsistent style. His baseline aggression and booming serve can rack up points quickly, but exploiting that weapon well against diverse playing styles is crucial for Grand Slam success.
This year’s Kooyong Classic promises particular excitement with the upcoming clash between Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe. Both players are known not only for their skill but for their engaging personalities and high-energy matches. Their face-off will likely be a highlight, captivating spectators and possibly influencing their own momentum heading into the Australian Open.
Berrettini’s approach reveals an interesting trend among elite players. While ATP events remain essential for ranking and competition, many now recognize the value of exhibitions like the Kooyong Classic to sharpen their readiness while minimizing risk and fatigue. With the grueling demands of the professional tour and the importance of peaking at Grand Slams, this exhibition offers a balanced blend of intensity and recovery.
This isn’t the first time a top player has used Kooyong strategically. Legends such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have all graced these courts before clinching Grand Slam titles, suggesting that the event provides an edge by letting players acclimatize to conditions and test their games without the pressures of official ranking play.
As the Kooyong Classic unfolds, the tennis world will be watching keenly to see if Berrettini’s unorthodox preparation pays dividends. Can he “serve” up a surprise and harness this focused preparation into a deep run at the Australian Open? Only time will tell, but such tactics underscore how elite players are continually innovating their routes to Grand Slam glory.
With the Australian Open rapidly approaching, the atmosphere around Melbourne’s tennis landscape is electric. Players are dialing into their best form through various paths—some through intense ATP battles, others through carefully chosen exhibitions like Kooyong. One thing is certain: fans can expect fierce competition, thrilling rallies, and moments charged with drama and athletic brilliance.
Berrettini’s journey to the Kooyong Classic is a reminder that behind every signature shot and dramatic match lies a nuanced strategy and often unconventional choices aimed at achieving peak performance on one of tennis’s grandest stages. Whichever way it unfolds, the upcoming season promises exciting storylines and tennis at its finest. Whether Berrettini’s serve becomes an “ace” weapon or a learning tool ahead of Australia’s summer slam remains to be seen, but the spotlight on Kooyong reminds us that sometimes the road less traveled holds the richest rewards.