MATTEO Berrettini reached his first ATP final since October 2022 in Marrakesh on Saturday with a comeback win over Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
The previous Wimbledon finalist, who was sidelined for six months with an ankle injury, battled to a 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2 victory over seventh seed Navone and will face defending champion Roberto Carballes Baena in Sunday’s final .
Berrettini is currently ranked 135th on the ATP rankings and is playing in only his second event on the tour this year and only his fourth on clay since the 2021 French Open.
“The fans really helped me. The support was amazing. I’m a little tired but too excited for the final tomorrow,” said the Italian.
“I don’t even remember the last time I reached an ATP Tour final.
“I worked very hard to be here once more, to be healthy, to enjoy what I do. I’m very grateful for everything that happened.”
The 27-year-old lost to compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in his last final in Naples a year and a half ago, and won the latest of his eight titles in June 2022 at Queen’s Club, London.
Carballes Baena got past Russia’s Pavel Kotov 6-4, 6-2 in the other semifinal. (AFP/Z-3)
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