Matteo Berrettini enjoyed a resurgent second half to the 2024 season, overcoming an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for six months
Berrettini returned to action in March, and in only his third tournament back won a title on the clay of Marrakech.
The Italian also lifted two more ATP 250 trophies in Gstaad and Kitzbuhel, with only Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz claiming more titles than Berrettini in 2024.
As a result, Berrettini has been nominated for the ATP Comeback Player of the Year award, after rising from World No.154 to his current ranking of No.34.
While Berrettini has been enjoying his rejuvenated success on the court, it appears that the former Wimbledon finalist has also been seeking endeavours away from it after announcing that he would be joining forces with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Matteo Berrettini reveals ‘shared values’ after announcing Saudi Arabia PIF partnership
Berrettini has been announced as a tennis ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s PIF, with focus on supporting young talent and helping promote ‘inclusivity within tennis’.
Upon the announcement of the new partnership, a video was released by the PIF with Berrettini explaining what he hopes to achieve through this collaboration.
“A great partnership is built on shared values and shared goals. That’s why I’m so proud to announce that I am now a picked tennis ambassador,” said Berrettini.
“I feel really proud and honored. I think it’s something that goes beyond tennis, not just my tennis career, but make tennis and other sports bigger and better and more accessible to older people around the world.”
The PIF has become more involved across sport in recent years, and this year has become a premium partner for the ATP and a global partner for the WTA.
Tournaments are also now being played in Saudi Arabia, with this year’s WTA Tour Finals being held in Riyadh and the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah.
Matteo Berrettini following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal
Berrettini is not the first player to join forces with Saudi Arabia, following Rafael Nadal who became the ambassador for the nations Tennis Federation at the start of 2024.
At the time of the announcement, Nadal claimed that he was hoping to promote tennis in Saudi Arabia and open a branch of his famous academy there.
This caused a mixed reception from fans of the now retired Spaniard, as some were unhappy that he was partnering with a country that have a controversial human rights record.
More recently, the 22-time major winner featured in an exhibition in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, dubbed the ‘Six Kings Slam,’ where Nadal was beaten by great rival Novak Djokovic in their final ever match.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
