Berrettini banks back-to-back titles in Kitzbühel

Matteo Berrettini captured his second consecutive title Saturday at the Generali Open, where he defeated Frenchman Hugo Gaston 7-5, 6-3 in the final. The Italian, who last week lifted the Gstaad trophy, has not dropped a set in his past 10 matches.

The 28-year-old made the best use of high-altitude conditions in Kitzbühel, relying on his booming serve and heavy hitting to overpower Gaston after one hour, 21 minutes.

"I'm just so happy and so tired," said a relieved Berrettini in his on-court interview. "It's been a crazy two weeks, playing I think some of my best level of tennis."

Now a 10-time tour-level titlist, Berrettini struck eight aces and won 80 per cent (33/41) of his first-serve points, according to Infosys ATP Stats. Berrettini earned a crucial break at 5-5 in the opener before gaining a one-set advantage behind his own delivery and racing to a double-break lead in the second. Despite dropping serve when serving for the match at 5-2, Berrettini quickly recovered to capture the clay ATP 250. 

"I was happy that I had the double break. In tennis, you never know. A little bit of tension, he played a great game," Berrettini said. "I was focussed, I kept doing what I was doing well, hitting the ball well, hitting the ball aggressive in important moments."

Following his third title of the season, Berrettini is up 10 spots to No. 40 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. He is one of three players to win a trio of titles this season, alongside countryman Jannik Sinner (4) and Carlos Alcaraz (3). Berrettini boasts a 21-5 season record. 

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