Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are often at the center of the conversation regarding who is the greatest tennis player of all time. To Matteo Berrettini, former World No, 6 and Wimbledon finalist, the answer is the Swiss legend.
In a video shared by GQ in September 2024, in which they asked players who is the GOAT, Berrettini said: “My tennis GOAT is Roger Federer.” While he didn’t elaborate on that occasion, it is not the first time that the Italian has shared his admiration for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
As a fan of Federer, he had the honor of being part of Team Europe, alongside Nadal and Djokovic, in the 2022 Laver Cup. When he won his own match on the second day of the tournament, Berrettini expressed his regard for Federer.
“The reason I chose to be a tennis player is because of him,” he said, when asked how he felt about the Swiss star’s retirement. “He probably doesn’t know, but when I was a kid and he was playing in Rome, I tried to sneak into the center court because I didn’t have a ticket,” he shared.
“He was my idol. He inspired me so much—not just me, but billions of people. He did everything for the sport and for me in general. I’m so happy to be here, and I have to thank everybody, especially him. I got chills, guys. It’s tough for me,” Berrettini added.
Berrettini’s admiration for Federer: ‘He’s a fantastic person’
Unlike millions of people who will never have a chance to meet Federer, Berrettini has been lucky enough to share many moments with his idol. In an interview with Correire Della Sera, he raved about facing him in Wimbledon in 2019, as well as his personality.
“The first match against him I didn’t even understand where I was, I was so excited. And I was at Wimbledon. He killed me, but it was wonderful,” he said. “He’s not just a great tennis player, he’s a fantastic person. He knows how to be simple, inclusive, he is naturally, not artificially, open, friendly. When it passes you feel a special energy. He has the charisma of talent and kindness,” he further added.
They faced each other twice, one in Wimbledon and one in the ATP Finals that same year, with the Swiss winning the two matches. Federer was set to face Berrettini at the French Open in 2021, but he withdrew ahead of the game.
Federer, with 20 Grand Slam titles, has long been considered one of the sport’s greatest. While Djokovic leads with 24 and Rafael Nadal boasts 22, Federer’s achievements include an Olympic gold in doubles and 310 weeks as World No. 1.