Matteo Berrettini gets support from Flavia Pennetta amidst criticism for his relationship with Italian model Melissa Satta

Matteo Berrettini has received a few words of encouragement from former Italian player Flavia Pennetta after he faced criticism over poor form and his relationship.

Berrettini has struggled with form since winning his last singles tour title at the ATP 500 Cinch Championships in June 2022. He was seen as one of the top contenders at Wimbledon 2022 after finishing second to Novak Djokovic the previous year. However, he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw before his opening-round match.

The 26-year-old reached the quarterfinals at the 2022 US Open where he lost to Casper Ruud. He was eliminated in a thrilling five-set contest in the first round of the 2023 Australian Open by Andy Murray. At the 2023 BNP Paribas Open, the Italian once again faced an early exit.

As reports surfaced of him dating Italian model and television presenter Melissa Satta, criticism from fans and experts grew. Two-time Grand Slam champion Nicola Pietrangeli recently suggested that Berrettini should focus on tennis. Reacting to the situation, 2015 US Open winner Pennetta stated that the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up will have to learn to block out outside noise.

"The problem is always the same: when one starts to win, people get excited and almost assume that everything is due," Pennetta told Fanpage.it. "But that's not the case, because tennis is a very tough sport. You only stop for two months, if you like, and always being consistent isn't easy."

"Words hurt, I'm telling you from personal experience. You feel accused, you are told very heavy words because then people exaggerate and go crazy. You have to learn to let it all slip through," she added.

After Berrettini recently countered the criticism by saying that it was normal for people his age to be in a relationship, Pennetta agreed with him, saying:

"Matteo rightly said that he is a normal boy and his situation is actually a very normal one. He closed it there and he was good because he said enough right away, as there was nothing more to say."

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"Take me off the court, I'm unwatchable" - Matteo Berrettini during his QF loss at Arizona Tennis Classic 2023

Matteo Berrettini lost to Alexander Shevchenko

Matteo Berrettini was the top seed at the 2023 Arizona Tennis Classic after he accepted a wildcard entry into the main draw. While he won his first two matches against Mattia Bellucci and Aleksandar Vukic, the Italian lost to World No. 101 Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the ATP Challenger event.

During the first set, there was a rare moment of frustration from the 23rd-ranked player after he lost a point.

"Take me off the court, I swear I'm unwatchable," shouted Berrettini.

Matteo Berrettini is the 19th seed at the 2023 Miami Open and will start his campaign in the second round. His opponent is yet to be finalized.