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There is always a purpose for everyone you meet in your life. Some people come into your life to test you, some to teach you, some to use you and some to bring out the best in you. The 27-year-old Italian tennis player, Matteo Berrettini had Vincenzo Santopadre through his thicks and thins for 13 years and he surely brought the best out of him. But the duo has recently ended their long-time partnership. As per reports, the former number 6 is now looking to build a partnership with the renowned coach of Rafael Nadal. Let’s find out who’s it.

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During his tenure, Santopadre guided the teenager to the top 10 in the men’s singles rankings. Berrettini has won 7 career titles and has also featured in the finals of Wimbledon Championships in 2021. The 52YO has been his constant support from the stands. Looking forward to his new coach, who has a 17-year-long experience of being in Rafael Nadal’s team, can he bring some champion aura to the Berrettini camp?

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Rafael Nadal’s former coach takes charge of the Italian Hearthrob

Initially, there were some speculations of the 49-year-old Swedish coach, Thomas Enqvist as the next coach of Matteo Berrettini. But several reports suggest that he had declined the proposal citing personal reasons. Now, with the 2024 season knocking at the door. Berrettini wanted no more off-the-court activities to disrupt his comeback journey. So he quickly landed a new coach.

The 27-year-old brought Francisco Roig to his team. The duo will now head to the ‘Land Down Under’ to kickstart their season at the Brisbane International. He will have to play the qualifiers which starts from December 31. Can Roig help him make his most awaited comeback in 2024?

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Well, in terms of experience, the Spaniard has plenty of it in his bag. He has initially worked alongside Rafael Nadal’s uncle- Toni Nadal and then Carlos Moya and Marc Lopez. Roig has been one of the constants in the stands behind Rafa, right from his first Grand Slam to his last.

READ MORE: Italian Heartthrob Matteo Berrettini’s Coach Hits Back At Critics To Back Former World No.6 Amid Struggling Times

Nadal has already started his preparations ahead of what is supposedly going to be his last season

Rafael Nadal is getting ready in Kuwait to roar in the ‘Land Down Under’. The 37-year-old Spanish superstar has been out of action for almost a year due to a hip injury. But now, he has recovered from all his woes from the past and is ready to prowl towards his 23rd Grand Slam title.

Rafael Nadal is currently training with the French rising star, Arthur Fils at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The training camp is scheduled from December 8 to December 15 at the Sheikh Juben Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex. Rafa’s decision to choose the Middle East as a venue is mainly for getting adjusted to the weather conditions of Australian summer.

The Spaniard has been accompanied by his coaching staff, wife, and his little son. Can he make them witness yet another historic moment and add a feather to his cap in the New Year? Comment your thoughts below!

Watch This Story: Venus Williams Makes ‘Cute’ Motherly Wish As Serena Williams’ ‘Beautiful Kids’ Have A Telling Effect

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Sayantan Roy

3,225 Articles

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. A former competitive player, he brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his playing experience with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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Shudh Mukherjee

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