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Matteo Berrettini has announced that he and coach Vincenzo Santopadre have called it quits on their long-time partnership. Berrettini, 27, had been working with coach Santopadre for the past 13 years. With Santopadre, Berrettini first accomplished his goal of becoming a pro tennis player and then also a tennis star.
But Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up and a former world No 6, has had a very rough season in 2023. Throughout the season, Berrettini has battled various injuries and physical setbacks, which limited him to just 23 matches.
Berrettini, who went 12-11 in those 23 matches, also plummeted to No 90 in the world. This week, Berrettini - who hasn't played since the US Open - announced he was ending his 2023 season after consulting with the doctors. After one of the most challenging seasons of his career, Berrettini decided to put an end to his partnership with coach Santopadre.
Berrettini's statement on ending partnership with Santopadre
"I was uncertain, I didn't know whether to write something or just communicate it. I thought it was supposed to be something just me and you, but then I realized that, yes, what we built, done and lived is only ours, but it is also the tangible testimony that dreams come true, that hard work always leads to something positive and that in life, sometimes, you don't have to take yourself too seriously.
I came into your 'tennis arms' not knowing yet what you wanted to do with my life, you managed to make me dream far, but keeping me attached to the single days we lived. Every workout is a brick, every defeat is a lesson and every injury is an opportunity to improve and come back stronger.
I don't think I could be able to knock down something that could truly make you understand how I feel for you. Gratitude, affection, respect, admiration, gratitude, joy and everything beautiful in our relationship can only be told with a hug...
Ours is a professional goodbye that will probably enhance the personal relationship even more. I have felt you with me in every difficulty I have faced over the last 13 years, and despite being many, when I think of us I feel only joy.
I'm happy and grateful to the people who made our meeting possible, and proud of us for how we used this gift that was given to us. Without you there would have been Matteo Berrettini, but there wouldn’t have been (hammer emoji - Berrettini is nicknamed The Hammer due to his strength).
Thank you, Vinz. I love you." Berrettini announced.