THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 7, 2021

Matteo Berrettini

Press Conference

M. BERRETTINI/F. Auger-Aliassime

6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What are your thoughts about what you have accomplished? What do you foresee as the biggest challenge in your next match?

MATTEO BERRETTINI: I mean, I'm extremely happy for my win, for the fact that I'm through to the semis for the first time here in Wimby, for the fact that I really played a tough match, because I wasn't feeling, like, unbelievable good, especially after first set.

So I'm really happy. I mean, playing Hubert is going to be really tough. He beat Daniil, beat Roger in a row, and he's feeling good. He's having a great season so far, so it's gonna be tough one.

Right now I just want to enjoy this moment, because it's been two years since I was in my first semis, so now it's time to cheer a little bit.

Q. I want to ask you about this win. How can you define your emotions being in the semifinal in Wimbledon compared to the semifinal you reached the US Open? Is it at the same level or is it something else?

MATTEO BERRETTINI: Well, first of all, thanks. I would say that it's different, but at the same time it's great. Obviously US Open I didn't know before the tournament that I could achieve that. I just played match after match, and I kind of found myself, like, in the semis. I mean, playing good, fighting like I'm doing now, but it was more unexpected.

Now, stepping in this tournament, I knew that I could do it. I know that also the run is not over. So it's different. You know, like before this tournament I just felt that I'm a better player now. I have more experience. I had more matches on my shoulders. Everything that I am achieving, it's great, but it's not something that I didn't expect.

Q. What was it like to watch the Italy/Spain game last night with Felix? What were your thoughts about the game itself?

MATTEO BERRETTINI: It was so stressful, so stressful. I think Spain, I mean, for what I know, and I'm not a big expert -- I leave the experts to talk about the match -- but I think we struggled a lot. Spain had more possession of the ball, and I think they had more occasions to score and stuff.

But we were tough. We were defending a lot. We fought a lot. Chiesa scored an unbelievable goal.

Then we were really, I think, clutch, like the penalties, because after first one, they really should, like, in a good way, was so stressful.

Was such a nice time with Felix. I think it's so great to have such a relationship, and then we can just play our best, you know, during the match and respect each other. Also hanging out outside of the court is something that it's not that common and I really appreciate the fact that it's happening. Best of luck for him.