Being a tennis player is not easy! They have to travel to different places literally every week, which leads to significant separation from their families. This constant travel can be extremely grueling, considering the nature of this individual sport. Loneliness often starts creeping into their lives, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life becomes very challenging. Italian star Matteo Berrettini recently shared a heartfelt confession during an interaction with kids, revealing how much he misses his “second mother” while he’s on tour.

During a conversation with the kids, Berrettini was asked to name the person who he calls first after reaching home from a long Tour. In reply to that question, the 28-year-old Italian said, “My grandma. Because she lives in Rome and I live in Monte Carlo, which is a bit far. She’s like my second mother. So I miss her very much and when I come home, she’s always the first one I call.”

However, this isn’t the first time that Matteo Berrettini has been spotted talking about his grandmother, Lucia Fogaca. In March this year, during another Q&A he was asked if he had any tattoos on his body. “Yeah, I have quite a lot. My grandma is not happy about it but I think I have 11,” said Berrettini in reply. Previously during an interview, Berrettini revealed that his grandmother is Brazilian and she speaks Portuguese. He spoke about how his grandmother used to tell him stories about Brazil during his childhood days.

So, he always had a soft spot for Brazil in his heart, and every time he got the chance to visit that nation he used to be very excited. Berrettini even thinks that he’s handsome because of his “Brazilian and Italian genes.” Talking more about his looks, in 2022 Matteo Berrettini revealed that his grandmother thinks he’s the “most handsome guy on the planet.” He has a strong bond with his grandmother and perhaps these are the exact reasons why he called her his “second mother“. Who are the other persons who played a major role in shaping his tennis career?

The role of Matteo Berrettini’s parents in his tennis journey

Just like he misses his grandmother, Berrettini also feels the absence of three other important people while he’s on tour. His father, Luca Berrettini, and his mother, Claudia Bigo, have played pivotal roles in his tennis career. His father was a tennis player who competed for a club in Italy, and his mother, a former club tennis player, has been a driving force behind her son’s professional journey. They introduced him to the sport and are frequently seen in the player’s box during his matches.

On the other hand, Matteo Berrettini’s brother, Jacopo Berrettini is also a tennis player. So, literally, tennis is in their DNA! However, during a previous interview, his father revealed, “We never coerced him (Matteo) in any way. Matteo stopped playing tennis for a period of two years. During that time, he was also participating in judo and swimming, but his brother persuaded him to pick up the racket and play once more.” 

While reflecting on his journey on the courts during a conversation at the BreakPoint, Berrettini said that he “was not supposed to become this tennis player” He never expected himself ever in the Top 10! He revealed how his parents were initially scared that he couldn’t make a living with tennis and they used to ask him if he was sure about his decision with the racquet sport. After hearing Berrettini say, “Yeah, I want to do this” they told him, “The only thing we want is that you put 100% in what you’re doing.” Rest is history! He’s now one of the finest players in the Italian tennis world. Which is your memorable moment from his career as of now?