Matteo Berrettini's girlfriend Melissa Satta flies to Florida to support him at Miami Open 2023 amidst struggle with form

By Pranjali P.

Modified Mar 25, 2023 06:09 GMT

Matteo Berrettini will receive some much-needed support at the 2023 Miami Open as the tennis player’s girlfriend Melissa Satta is expected to be by his side at the tournament this year.

The Italian-American TV presenter and model is taking time off of her busy schedule to cheer on Matteo Berrettini, who has been struggling with his form in recent times. Melissa Satta hinted at her presence in Miami as she shared her travel updates with fans on social media. This will mark her first time accompanying the tennis player at a tournament.

Matteo Berrettini (26) and Melissa Satta (37) began dating after their breakup with previous partners – tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic and entrepreneur Mattia Rivetti, respectively. Satta has also previously been married to footballer Kevin-Prince Boateng, with whom she shares a child.

Matteo Berrettini has received heavy criticism for his relationship with the TV presenter, with many calling it a distraction. The Italian recently called out the haters and defended himself against the negative statements.

“I'm having a romantic relationship like all the other kids my age. Normal, and here too I'm sorry that such a positive thing, which is a feeling after all, is turned around as a professional distraction. Beyond the haters, I'm sorry for those who know about tennis: they are not constructive criticisms and I don't understand the reasons,” he said.

The former World No. 6 later received support from former US Open champion and Fabio Fognini’s wife Flavia Pennetta regarding the criticism.

“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,” Flavia Pennetta said. “Matteo rightly said that he is a normal boy and his situation is actually a very normal one.”

Matteo Berrettini set to commence Miami Open 2023 campaign against Mackenzie McDonald

The Italian has incurred a string of bad results in 2023

Matteo Berrettini hasn’t found his groove so far this season. The player has registered five wins against five losses at the ATP tour level, with two additional wins and one loss during his recent Challenger stint at the Arizona Tennis Classic. The Italian tennis player is 0-2 at big tournaments such as the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Now, with the added support of his girlfriend Melissa Satta, the World No. 23 will hope to turn the tide at the Miami Open. Having received a bye in the opening round, Berrettini is set to commence his Masters 1000 campaign against American home hope Mackenzie McDonald in the Round of 64 on Saturday, March 25.

Edited by Nihal