"It was a small trauma": Vincenzo Santopadre was shocked at sudden split with Matteo Berrettini after 13 years

Vincenzo Santopadre, former coach of Matteo Berrettini, expressed his shock at the sudden parting of ways between himself and the Italian tennis star following their lengthy partnership.

The duo had been working together for over a decade, with Santopadre joining Berrettini's coaching team in 2011. Their partnership lasted for almost 13 years, as Berrettini broke inot the top ten, won seven ATP titles and finished runner-up at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships under Santopadre's tutelage.

After struggling with form due to various injuries, Berrettini saw his ranking slip to World No.92. The former World No.6 missed the French Open, and has not played a competitive match since retiring halfway through his second round match at the 2023 US Open in September.

"It was a small shock, a small trauma, it is undeniable that it is like this," said Santopadre after Berrettini announced their split in October. "I think Matteo and I have been good at protecting our relationship, not affecting it in any way. The synergy between coach and player is similar to a couple relationship, as you spend more time together on the circuit than with your family. It was a professional estrangement. Sometimes you have to make certain decisions but that doesn't mean you can't go to dinner together tomorrow."