Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini found himself in an awkward spotlight following his first-round victory at the Vienna Open, when an on-court inquiry about fellow countryman Lorenzo Musetti underscored persistent rumours of a falling out between the former close friends.
Berrettini advanced past Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets on Tuesday, AEDT. During his post-match on-court interview, the conversation turned to Musetti’s recent tournament victory in Lyon. Berrettini struggled to conceal his discomfort, pausing briefly before asking the interviewer if the broadcast was live.
Upon learning that the exchange was indeed being broadcast live, Berrettini offered an awkward smile and a brief laugh before addressing the question. He acknowledged that Musetti had worked hard to return to form and stated that he guessed his compatriot deserved the victory. Berrettini then quickly wrapped up the conversation, stepped away from the interviewer, and returned to his player bench before departing the arena.
Fans and observers quickly noted the hesitation, interpreting the reaction as further fuel for rumours of tension between the Davis Cup teammates. Speculation regarding a rift intensified earlier this year when Berrettini ended his relationship with girlfriend Vanessa Bellini, while Musetti split from partner Veronica Confalonieri, with whom he shares two children, during the exact same week. Neither player has directly addressed their respective relationship breakdowns, nor have they commented publicly on unverified rumours concerning an alleged affair.
Public tension between the two athletes has also been marked by digital activity, as Berrettini has unfollowed Musetti on Instagram. The pair were previously known to be close friends.
The awkward on-court exchange coincided with the announcement of Italy’s Davis Cup squad to face South Korea next month. Captain Filippo Volandri selected Musetti alongside Flavio Cobolli, Luciano Darderi, Simone Bolelli, and Andrea Vavassori. Berrettini was omitted from the roster, and no official reason was provided for his exclusion from a national side that has recently dominated men’s international team tennis.
Analysts noted that Berrettini’s current world ranking of No. 48 places him behind all other singles players named to the Italian squad. The former world No. 6 and Wimbledon finalist has faced a challenging period recovering from multiple serious injuries that disrupted his career trajectory.
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was also left off the Davis Cup roster due to a right knee injury. With the Vienna Open ongoing, Berrettini is set to shift his focus to his upcoming second-round match, with his next opponent yet to be finalized.
