Matteo Berrettini Urges ATP to Launch Premier Tournament in South America

Berrettini's push for South American tennis growth

Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini calls for ATP to introduce top-level tournament in South America, citing 12 South Americans in ATP top 100. He advocates for South American tournaments, emphasizing player growth and fan enthusiasm.

Berrettini highlights South America's tennis passion, pushing for more recognition...

Matteo Berrettini's on a mission to help South American tennis thrive. The Italian star's urging the ATP to introduce a top-level tournament in the region, wanting to leave a lasting impact on the sport he loves.

Berrettini's quality's undeniable - his Wimbledon final run and powerful game made him a force to be reckoned with. Now, nearing 30, he's playing for the joy of it and using his influence to help South American tournaments stay relevant.

Berrettini's currently ranked outside the top 50 and has taken an unconventional route, heading to South America while top players are in Asia and Europe. He's played in Buenos Aires and Rio in February, but his runs were short-lived.

In Rio, he lost to Vít Kopriva, and in Santiago, he went out in the first round. Despite the lack of success, Berrettini's staying positive. 

“Now I just want to enjoy tennis, play in front of my family and friends, and savour everything I’ve achieved.

“I may only be turning thirty, but I’ve been through a lot of health issues. If I wanted to get back to the level I used to be at, I know it would take a lot of time,” he told El Mercurio.

Berrettini's concerned about South America's marginalization in the ATP Tour. There are only three events in the region in February, compared to nine in Asia - and China alone hosts six. He thinks it's unfair and wants the ATP to introduce a top-level tournament in South America. 

“Personally, I think South America deserves to have a top-level tournament on the tour. People here are passionate about the sport, and there are top players as well. The stadiums in Buenos Aires and Rio were packed, and I know Santiago can offer the same,” he said.

The stats are telling: 12 South Americans in the ATP top 100, versus just two players from Asia (if you count Kazakhstan as part of Asia). Berrettini thinks it's time South America gets more recognition. 

Novak Djokovic could only applaud this 😱👏

Matteo Berrettini defied gravity with this WILD shot 🤯 pic.twitter.com/d0JarYpTed

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) February 25, 2026

“Tennis and sport have always been about emotions, the crowd, the atmosphere on court. These are the factors ATP should consider when allocating major tournaments. And South America ticks all those boxes,” Berrettini concluded.