Matteo Berrettini had a remarkable second half of the 2024 season. An ankle injury had sidelined him for six months, but he made a strong comeback. In March, he returned to action and, in just his third tournament back, won a title on the clay of Marrakech. This was just the beginning of his successful run.

ATP Comeback Player of the Year Nomination

Berrettini's achievements didn't stop there. He lifted two more ATP 250 trophies in Gstaad and Kitzbuhel. Only Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz claimed more titles than him in 2024. As a result, he has been nominated for the ATP Comeback Player of the Year award. Rising from World No.154 to his current ranking of No.34 is a remarkable feat.

On-Court Rejuvenation

Berrettini's on-court success is truly inspiring. His determination and skill allowed him to overcome the setback of the ankle injury. Winning titles on different surfaces shows his versatility as a player. The way he bounced back and continued to perform at a high level is a testament to his hard work and dedication.His victories in Marrakech, Gstaad, and Kitzbuhel not only brought him personal glory but also boosted his confidence. It showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court.

Off-Court Endeavours

While enjoying success on the court, Berrettini also made a significant move off it. He announced that he would be joining forces with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). This partnership focuses on supporting young talent and promoting inclusivity within tennis.Upon the announcement, a video was released by the PIF with Berrettini explaining his hopes for this collaboration. He emphasized that a great partnership is built on shared values and goals. His involvement with the PIF goes beyond just his tennis career and aims to make tennis and other sports more accessible worldwide.

The PIF's Involvement in Sport

The PIF has been increasingly involved in sport in recent years. This year, it became a premium partner for the ATP and a global partner for the WTA. Tournaments are now being held in Saudi Arabia, including this year's WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh and the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah.This shows the growing importance of Saudi Arabia in the world of sports. The PIF's initiatives are helping to bring more tennis events to the region and expose more people to the sport.

Precedents and Controversies

Berrettini is not the first player to join forces with Saudi Arabia. Rafael Nadal became the ambassador for the nation's Tennis Federation at the start of 2024. At the time, Nadal claimed that he hoped to promote tennis in Saudi Arabia and open a branch of his famous academy there.However, this announcement caused a mixed reception from fans. Some were unhappy that he was partnering with a country with a controversial human rights record. This highlights the complex nature of such partnerships and the need for careful consideration.

Recent Exhibition and Rivalry

More recently, the 22-time major winner Nadal featured in an exhibition in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, dubbed the 'Six Kings Slam.' In the final against his great rival Novak Djokovic, Nadal was beaten. This event added another layer to the story and showed the continued rivalry between these tennis greats.It also raised questions about the role of tennis in Saudi Arabia and the impact of such partnerships on the sport. As the tennis world continues to evolve, these issues will remain at the forefront.