Matteo Berrettini
A powerful Italian tennis star with a thunderous serve and forehand, who broke historic ground by reaching the Wimbledon final and all four major quarterfinals.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Italian tennis player·Birthday: April 12·Millennials
Biography
Matteo Berrettini brought a bruising, old-school power game into the modern tennis era, becoming Italy's most successful male player. Hailing from Rome, his rise was methodical, his game built around a massive serve and a devastating forehand. The breakthrough came in 2019, with a run to the US Open semifinals. He then carved his name into history at the 2021 Wimbledon, storming to the final with a display of raw force, only to be stopped by Novak Djokovic. That run cemented his status. Berrettini's most significant achievement is a unique 'Career Quarterfinal Slam'—he is the first Italian man and first man born in the 1990s to reach the last eight at all four majors. His career has been punctuated by injuries, but when healthy, his presence on grass or clay makes him a threat to anyone.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matteo was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matteo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Matteo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the final of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, the first Italian man to do so in the Open Era.
- Achieved a 'Career Quarterfinal Slam' by reaching the quarterfinals or better at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
- Won multiple ATP Tour titles, including two Queen's Club Championships on grass (2021, 2022).
- Reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 6 in January 2022.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Jacopo, is also a professional tennis player, and they have played doubles together on tour.
He is an avid fan of AS Roma football club.
Berrettini dated former WTA World No. 1 Ajla Tomljanović.
He is known for his distinctive hairstyle, often featuring a headband.
“I think my weapon is to create damage with my forehand and my serve.”
