'Rafael Nadal is so strong physically, and has big weapons,' said Matteo Berrettini

Struggling with injuries, Matteo Berrettini couldn't play at his best in the reduced 2020 season, working hard ahead of the new one and scoring 12 wins in 15 matches so far.

The Italian claimed the first ATP title since 2019 at the Serbia Open in Belgrade. He will seek another deep run at the Madrid Open, facing his compatriot Fabio Fognini in the second round.

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Speaking about the Spanish players at Caja Magica, Berrettini praised Rafael Nadal, saying he would steal every title from Nadal's rich collection. On a more serious note, the Italian honored Rafa as a physically powerful player and the one with great weapons.

Berrettini and Nadal have played once on the Tour so far, with the Spaniard beating the Italian 7-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the 2019 US Open semi-final after a titanic battle in the opening two sets.

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"So any Spanish player? Um, Rafa, I would steal the titles from Rafa. No, I'm joking. The fact that he's so strong physically and also a lefty, I think it's a big weapon. Overall I think all the Spanish players are excellent fighters, they have a great heart, and they fight until the end of every match. So yeah, I would steal these characteristics," Matteo Berrettini said.

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