Berrettini back in business with Stuttgart return

Two-time champion Matteo Berrettini returned to tennis on Tuesday after two injury months away, with the former champion picking up a welcome win at the Stuttgart Open.

The oft-injured Roman who rolled an ankle at the US Open last summer before suffering another injury mishap this spring which kept him from the clay season, outlasted Roman Safiullin 7-6 98), 5-7, 7-5.

The effort took nearly three hours and left the No. 43 languishing on just eight match wins this season.

Berrettini got his huge serve back into gear, unleashing 27 aces and earning the only break of the match in the final game.

“I don’t have any energy left,” the champion here in 2019 and 2022 said. “This was my first match in a few months, I ws hoping for something easier.

“But I’m proud of the way that I fought. The tennis was not my best level but that was expected.

“It’s never easy to come back and play well, you just have to fight.

“I missed the clay season so I’m really happy for the win.”

Berrettini said his main objective is to rest for his second-round encounter.

Main photo:- Matteo Berrettini on his comeback fitness trail.