“He Destroyed Me”: Matteo Berrettini Reveals Why He Stopped Supporting Roger Federer

20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer is not just an ambassador of the sport but is an inspiration to many youngsters. Not just fans but even professional athletes throughout the world take motivation from him. Interestingly, many tennis superstars today including the likes of Dominic Thiem, Matteo Berrettini, and others are also big fans of Roger Federer.

The Swiss Maestro has been on the ATP Tour for more than two decades. His incredible longevity has meant that younger players on the tour grew up watching him play.

Matteo Berrettini reveals why he stopped supporting Roger Federer

Berrettini has always been a fanboy of Federer and has been following him since his childhood days. However, in a recent interview with Giojournal.com, he stated that he doesn’t support the Swiss Maestro anymore. He highlighted that he stopped supporting him because he now faces him on the court instead of just watching him.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 5, 2021. Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his fourth round match against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego REUTERS/Paul Childs

“I grew up watching Roger (Federer) and cheering for him. I supported him as much as I could, watching him on TV whenever he was on. But then the day came when I realized I was playing the same tournament as he was in the same draw. So I couldn’t support him anymore from that point on. I have told Roger this story as we get on very well now,” said Berrettini in the interview.

Interestingly, Berrettini has even told this story to Federer. Fans wonder how Roger would have reacted to the Italian’s statement.

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Berrettini remembers playing against Federer at the Wimbledon Championships 2019

In the same interview, Berrettini recalled his match against Federer at the Wimbledon Championships 2019. He mentioned that it was one of the first times when he played on the Centre Court. However, the Swiss Maestro defeated him quite badly that day.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 11, 2021. Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in action during his final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic Pool via REUTERS/Steven Paston

“I think that’s why one of the first times I played him on Centre Court and Wimbledon, he destroyed me, because I couldn’t believe I was playing against my idol on one of the most iconic courts on tour,” added the Wimbledon Championships 2021 runner-up.

The encounter Matteo talked about was in the 2019 Wimbledon Round of 16 and Federer defeated him in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

As of now, Roger Federer has already ended his 2021 season. He is currently recovering after a knee surgery and hopes to make a comeback on the court next year. Will he be able to lift yet another Grand Slam title before bidding goodbye to the sport?

Also Read: Roger Federer Reacts to Receiving Yet Another Incredible Honor in Switzerland

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