Matteo Berrettini has been named Comeback Player of the Year in the 2024 ATP Awards after returning from six months on the sidelines to win three tour-level trophies this season. The Italian's peers selected him for the honour after he rose from a low of No. 154 back into the Top 40 of the PIF ATP Rankings.
"I'm just so happy to win the Comeback Player of the Year award," Berrettini said in a message to fans. "Thank you very much for the support. It was a great season, a great effort for me and my team. Obviously so happy for the results that we achieved and I cannot wait to step on the court in 2025 to get more success.
"Thanks again for your support. Without you guys, the fans, it wouldn't be possible."
Nothing but love for the fans ❤️ @MattBerrettini | #ATPAwards pic.twitter.com/cQOS8SePu2
— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 12, 2024 [ATP APP]After an injury-riddled 2023 season, which ended after the US Open due to a ruptured ankle ligament, Berrettini was set to return at the 2024 Australian Open alongside new coach Francisco Roig. But on the eve of his opening match at the Melbourne major, he was forced to withdraw with a new foot injury.
He finally came back to competition in March, when he reached the final at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Phoenix in his first event back. After dropping a three-setter to Andy Murray in Miami, Berrettini re-announced himself on the ATP Tour by winning the ATP 250 in Marrakech.
The Italian's progress was once again slowed by illness, but he returned from a two-month hiatus in style by reaching the Stuttgart final in June in his first event back. In July, he rattled off a 10-match win streak to claim back-to-back titles in Gstaad and Kitzbuhel. His three clay-court titles this season brought his tour-level trophy count up to 10.
"When you're not able to do your job and what you like to do, then it's always a struggle. So I'm really appreciating every moment that I have to spend on court, to perform and give my best," he told the press at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. "I know it's a process. I did a great job this year to build up again my ranking, and I'm feeling good."
Berrettini finished the season with a 32-12 record and closed his campaign by helping Italy retain its Davis Cup title, notching crucial singles wins in the final two rounds.
Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori were also nominated for Comeback Player of the Year in the 2024 ATP Awards. Nominees are determined by an International Tennis Writers' Association (ITWA) vote, with the winner selected by players from the shortlist.
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