Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini has been one of the most exciting talents to emerge in recent years, but he’s also been a keen follower of the sport’s greats. In a recent interview, Berrettini revealed who he admired more growing up between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, two of the most dominant and decorated players in tennis history.

While Berrettini is now a peer to these tennis legends, his admiration for them as a young player shaped his own journey in the sport. Here’s a look at Berrettini’s reflections on his childhood preferences and what this reveals about his tennis journey.

A Childhood Fan of Federer

Growing up, Berrettini, like many aspiring tennis players, had a favorite player who inspired him. In a candid conversation, the Italian revealed that Roger Federer was his idol during his early years in tennis. The Swiss maestro, renowned for his grace on the court, incredible footwork, and unmatched record, left a lasting impression on young Berrettini.

Federer’s legendary style of play, which combined elegance with incredible shot-making ability, was something Berrettini closely watched and admired. Federer’s dominance on grass courts, especially his record-breaking Wimbledon titles, captivated Berrettini, who dreamed of one day playing on the biggest stages of tennis. Berrettini mentioned how he would often emulate Federer’s playing style and hoped to capture a bit of Federer’s finesse on the court.

As one of the greatest of all time (GOAT), Federer’s influence on players like Berrettini is undeniable. His sportsmanship, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure have undoubtedly inspired countless younger players to push themselves harder.

Respect for Novak Djokovic’s Resilience

Though Federer was Berrettini’s childhood idol, he also expressed great respect for Novak Djokovic, who has become a dominant force in modern tennis. Djokovic’s tenacity, work ethic, and ability to battle through adversity have earned him recognition as one of the greatest players of all time.

Berrettini has often highlighted Djokovic’s mental strength and physical prowess as qualities he greatly admires. The Serbian’s incredible ability to fight back from difficult situations, his unmatched flexibility, and his unwavering determination have made him a formidable rival for Berrettini, as well as a player who commands respect across the tennis world.

While Federer was Berrettini’s favorite growing up, Djokovic’s consistency, mental toughness, and sheer physicality on the court have certainly left an impression on the young Italian star. Berrettini, who has faced Djokovic multiple times on the ATP Tour, has no doubt been inspired by his performances against the world number one.

Berrettini’s Own Journey

Today, Berrettini’s tennis journey is marked by his powerful serve, aggressive playing style, and consistency at the highest level. His rise through the ranks has been impressive, with Grand Slam finals and ATP titles already under his belt, making him one of the leading contenders in men’s tennis.

While Berrettini has undoubtedly carved out his own path, it’s clear that his admiration for players like Federer and Djokovic has influenced his approach to the game. Whether it’s Federer’s elegance or Djokovic’s grit, Berrettini has taken valuable lessons from the two legends and applied them to his own career.

The Impact of Federer and Djokovic on the Next Generation

The rivalry between Federer, Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal has defined men’s tennis for the past two decades. The impact of these three players on the next generation of tennis stars is immeasurable. As Berrettini’s career continues to evolve, he joins a long list of young players who grew up watching and learning from the greats of the sport.

For Berrettini, the inspiration he drew from Federer and Djokovic has undoubtedly helped shape his playing style and mentality. It also fuels his desire to push for more success, as he strives to reach the heights of the players who inspired him.

Conclusion

Matteo Berrettini’s revelation about his childhood tennis idols offers an interesting glimpse into the mindset of one of the sport’s rising stars. While Roger Federer captured his admiration with his graceful playing style and remarkable achievements, Berrettini also recognizes and respects the sheer resilience and competitive nature of Novak Djokovic. These two tennis icons have influenced Berrettini’s career in different ways, shaping his approach to the sport and his mindset as he continues to pursue his own legacy.

As Berrettini builds on his own successes, it’s clear that the influence of these tennis greats will continue to inspire him, motivating him to challenge himself and strive for greatness on the court.