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Matteo Berrettini of Italy returns a shot during his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain on day twelve of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Matteo Berrettini of Italy returns a shot during his Men’s Singles semi-final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain on day twelve of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 06, 2019 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Australian Open 2021 asked everyone to select one player to train with during the two-week quarantine in Melbourne Park. Recently, Italy’s Matteo Berrettini revealed that he will partner with the promising Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime for the opening Slam.
Not long ago, World No. 10 Berrettini and World No. 21 Auger-Aliassime enjoyed a hitting session together in Monte-Carlo. Taking it forward, their coaches decided that the pair can train well with one another.
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In the first ATP tournament of 2021, the Antalya Open, Matteo failed in the quarterfinals stage. He will look forward to changing his luck in Australia starting with the ATP Cup 2021.
Read More: Will Roger Federer play Australian Open 2021?
Matteo Berrettini pairs with Felix Auger-Aliassime for the Australian Open 2021
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 16: Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada plays a backhand against Juan Ignacio Londero of Argentina in their first-round match during day 3 of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 16, 2019, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The 2019 US Open semi-finalist hopes to do well in Grand Slam tournaments, and training with one of the best youngsters in tennis will only take him closer to the goal. Matteo had nothing but good things to say about the experience of training with Felix.
He said, “He’s really a good friend of mine. He’s a really serious guy on the court and we have a little fun off the court.”
The 24-year-old also confirmed that the coaches set the pair together.
“The coaches spoke and Vincenzo just asked me, ‘you want to practice with Felix?’,” said Berrettini. “And I was like, ‘yeah, of course, he’s a nice guy.’”
Aside from his many competitors, the 3 time ATP title winner is worried about a jet lag. However, he is looking forward to having fun with the 20-year-old Canadian.
“Obviously, the first days with a jet lag and stuff [are] gonna be tough. But I always had great practices with him and I really enjoy spending time with him. So it’s going to be fun,” the Italian concluded.
Berrettini will be Italy’s No. 1 at ATP Cup 2021, Australia
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 04: Matteo Berrettini of Italy celebrates a point during his Men’s Singles quarterfinal match against Gael Monfils of France on day ten of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 04, 2019, in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Last year, at the first edition of the ATP Cup, Matteo withdrew from the event due to an abdominal injury. In 2021, he will take his place as the marquee player for his country. Along with him, Fabio Fognini, Simone Bolelli, and Andrea Vavassori will represent Italy.
But the actual campaign for Berrettini will start at the Australian Open. For the same, he will be determined to spend more weeks at the venue. Will the Matteo-Felix pair prove to be beneficial for both of them?
