Sixth seed Matteo Berrettini faced a difficult test in the third round of the US Open today. Although he faced World No. 53 Ilya Ivashka, he needed five sets to eliminate the Belarusian and advance to the fourth round.

In a hard-fought battle that went down to the wire, the scoreline read 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. Following the victory, Berrettini believes he belongs in the category of players like Daniil Medvedev, who feature in the Top 5 currently.

Matteo Berrettini thinks he’s just as good as players in the Top 5

Berrettini lost the first set of the match in an intense tie-breaker. However, the Italian stormed back in the second set, dominating his Belarusian opponent to win the set 6-2. He then continued his momentum by sealing the third set 6-4, needing just one set to seal victory.

However, Ivashka fought back in the fourth set against the Wimbledon finalist. By clinching the set 6-2, the Belarusian forced a fifth set to decide the high-intensity battle for a spot in the fourth round. In the fifth set, Berrettini raced to a 3-0 lead, and there was no looking back. With a strong service game, the Italian clinched the set 6-3, and the match in 3 hours and 46 minutes.

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

During the post-match press conference, Berrettini admitted he’s just as good as players who rank among the Top 5 in the world. In addition, he believes those players know it as well.

He said, “I feel I belong in the Zverev, Medvedev, Thiem and Tsitsipas group. And I think they know it.”

Matteo Berrettini Speaks About Relationship With Ajla Tomljanovic

Berrettini to face Oscar Otte in the fourth round of the US Open

With his hard-earned victory, the sixth seed will take on German qualifier Oscar Otte in the fourth round.

Should Berrettini win his match against Otte, he could face Djokovic in the quarterfinals. This would be a rematch from the Wimbledon final earlier this year, which Djokovic won.

WATCH STORY: Top Racket Smashing Moments at US Open Over the Years