“I trained really hard to be able to come here”: Matteo Berrettini returns successfully to the courts at Argentina Open

Matteo Berrettini returned successfully to the courts at the Argentina Open, in what is his first official match of the season. The Italian overcame his debut against local wildcard Federico Coria 7-5, 7-5, in what is his first participation since the 2025 Davis Cup Finals, in which he was key with three consecutive wins on the way to Italy’s title.

The former Wimbledon runner-up unfortunately returned with injuries in the off-season and the start of 2026, and had been forced to miss last Australian Open. In search of confidence and match rhythm after months without competing, the Italian surprised by joining the Golden Swing in South America, starting the season on clay courts.

Undoubtedly a good option for Berrettini to gain confidence and victories early in the year. Ranked just world No. 58, he arrives needing points at the start of the year after a drop in ranking following recent months with few tournaments. The Italian has previously shown that he feels comfortable on clay courts, with six titles on the surface (all ATP 250) in addition to an appearance in the final of the Madrid Open 2021.

It was a duel full of uncertainties between two players returning after time away from competition. The Argentine – currently No. 322 – had not played any match since the Challenger in Bonn in early August, and had not contested the main draw of an ATP-level tournament since Marrakech 2025 in March of last year – about 11 months ago.

With a large crowd supporting the local player, Coria showed his weapons on a surface he specializes in, and managed to give Berrettini a good battle. However, the Italian ultimately imposed himself, winning 78% of first serve points and 60% on second serve. Only one break for the Argentine and three for the Italian determined the former world No. 6’s triumph.

“I trained really hard to be able to come here. I really wanted to come here in Buenos Aires. The atmosphere was really good,” Berrettini said. “I think the match was a little bit up and down, but I’m happy because I am playing.”

The day was marked by the return to action of clay-court specialists and some familiar names back on the courts. 2024 Argentina Open champion Facundo Diaz Acosta fell to former world No. 18 Alejandro Tabilo at Guillermo Vilas Court - 7-6(3), 6-3 -, while fifth seed Daniel Altmaier could do little against local Juan Manuel Cerundolo – younger brother of Francisco Cerundolo – who claimed victory 6-2, 6-2.

Another match that drew attention was the comeback of Tomas Barrios Vera, who was 4-6, 2-5 down against Brazil’s Thiago Seyboth Wild, coming back from twelve breaks behind – even saving three match points along the way. The Chilean advanced to 6-5 in the second set when Seyboth opted to retire due to injury. He will face second seed Luciano Darderi in the second round.

In addition, young Peruvian star Ignacio Buse – recently added to the top 100 – came from a set down to beat Francesco Passaro, while local Ramon Burruchaga eliminated 30-year-old Serbian Laslo Djere – who had just participated in Santiago de Chile during the recent Davis Cup.

This Wednesday marks Matteo Berrettini’s return to the courts to face Czech Vit Kopriva – who had advanced past the first round after beating Alex Barrena. On the other hand, it will be the debut of defending champion Joao Fonseca, who will return to the court against a dangerous rival like Alejandro Tabilo – remembered for two wins in Monte-Carlo against Novak Djokovic.

This is just Berrettini’s first participation in Buenos Aires, who is also registered for the rest of the South American swing, confirming his attendance at the ATP 500 Rio Open and ATP 250 Santiago Open – completing the trio of South American tournaments.