"It’s a step-by-step process”: Matteo Berrettini focuses on consistency as he defends points and fights Top 100 dropUntitled article

Matteo Berrettini began his Miami Open campaign with a controlled 6-4, 6-2 victory over France’s Alexandre Muller, advancing to the second round as he looks to build momentum in a crucial stage of his season. The Italian produced a composed performance, managing key moments effectively and maintaining a consistent level throughout the match.

The result comes at a significant moment for Berrettini, who entered the tournament hovering around World No. 98 in the live rankings. With points to defend from last year’s quarterfinal run, the former Wimbledon finalist faces the prospect of dropping out of the Top 100 for the first time since April 2024, adding weight to his Miami campaign.

His North American swing had begun with a second-round loss to Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells, but that performance offered encouraging signs. Berrettini highlighted both physical endurance and mental resilience as positives, suggesting that his level is gradually returning after a period marked by interruptions.

Now into the second round, Berrettini will face 10th seed Alexander Bublik, presenting a different challenge against one of the tour’s most unpredictable players. The matchup will offer a clearer test of his current form as he attempts to translate recent progress into sustained results.

Berrettini has made clear that his primary objective for the 2026 season is not tied directly to ranking or immediate results, but rather to re-establishing consistency. After several seasons disrupted by physical issues, the Italian has prioritised continuity in training and competition as the foundation for a return to his previous level.

“This year’s goal is not about ranking or results, but about consistency," he said to Eurosport Italy. "The goal is to train in order to play at the highest level as much as possible. That’s what I’ve been missing a bit in recent years.”

That perspective reflects a broader recalibration. Having previously established himself among the elite, Berrettini is now focused on rebuilding the elements that supported that success, rather than chasing points in isolation. He acknowledged that results remain important, but only as a consequence of improved consistency.

“Then from there we can start thinking about achieving important results. Of course, I’m here also to try to do well, because I like being competitive and I like my ranking to reflect that. But I know I have to start from something else.”

His opening-round performance in Miami aligned with that approach. While not dominant, it was controlled and efficient, with Berrettini limiting fluctuations and maintaining a steady level across both sets, an aspect that has been central to his recent focus.

Berrettini pointed to Indian Wells as an important step in his preparation, despite the early exit. His match against Zverev was, in his view, played at a high level, while his victory over Adrian Mannarino provided confirmation that both his physical condition and mental focus are improving.

“At Indian Wells, those were two very high-level matches. Sascha played a very good match and then went on to do well in the tournament. The match against Mannarino, in my opinion, was very good for many reasons: physically I managed to hold up until the end, mentally I stayed strong from the first to the last point.”

One of the key indicators for Berrettini has been his ability to sustain performance across an entire match, something that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. The win over Muller suggested progress in that regard, with the Italian managing momentum shifts effectively and closing the match without extended dips. “I’m recovering physically and mentally the energy I need to compete with the best," the former Wimbledon runner-up added.

While Berrettini carries positive memories from last year’s Miami Open, he remains cautious about drawing direct comparisons. The Italian noted that conditions, form, and match dynamics can vary significantly, limiting the relevance of past results. “Last year I found the right rhythm and energy. I played some very good matches… I definitely carry those memories with me.”

At the same time, he acknowledged the gap between recalling a successful run and replicating it, particularly given the changes in his current situation. His focus remains on incremental progress rather than immediate expectations. “From remembering last year to saying I can repeat a week like that, there’s a big difference, because a year has passed and every match is different.”

Against Bublik, Berrettini will face a player capable of disrupting rhythm with an unconventional style, making the encounter a useful measure of his current stability. For the Italian, the objective remains consistent: build match by match, maintain level, and continue restoring the foundations of his game. “I really want to do well, to play, and I think that’s already a small victory.”