Matteo Berrettini made a winning start at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The Italian rallied past Aleksandar Kovacevic 6–7(3), 6–1, 6–4 and will face Brandon Nakashima in the second round.
Serving strength underpins the comeback
Berrettini fired 23 aces without facing a break point, according to the ATP statistics cited by the tournament. Kovacevic nevertheless claimed the opening set by winning the tie-break 7–3.
Holding every service game was not enough to win the first set. The Italian responded by taking 12 of the next 17 games, eventually closing out the match with another ace.
In the interview reported by SuperTennis, Berrettini emphasized his response to the frustration of losing the opening set. He also explained that effective serving eases the pressure and gives him greater freedom on return.
Another meeting with Nakashima
Shanghai was the setting for Berrettini's first Masters 1000 semifinal in 2019. His opening win in 2026 gives him another opportunity to build a run at the tournament.
The next challenge is Nakashima, whom he defeated at the 2022 Australian Open. Their upcoming contest will take place on the Chinese hard courts.
The official Tennis TV highlights feature key points from Kovacevic against Berrettini in Shanghai in 2026.
