Tsitsipas Faces Tough Challenge from Berrettini in Dubai Quarters

Dubai, UAE — Stefanos Tsitsipas continues his campaign at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where he is set to face Matteo Berrettini in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Tsitsipas, ranked 11th, has momentum after defeating Lorenzo Sonego and Karen Khachanov in the first two rounds, showcasing his historical dominance in those matchups.

Tsitsipas opened the tournament with a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Sonego and followed that up with a closely contested match against Khachanov, winning 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-4. “Each match brings its own challenges,” Tsitsipas said. “I’m focusing on my game and trying to improve every time I step on the court.”

As he prepares to take on Berrettini, the Italian 30th seed, Tsitsipas holds a 4-1 edge in their head-to-head record, including a 3-1 lead on tour. However, their last encounter ended with Berrettini winning 7-6(6), 7-5 on clay last summer, indicating that the Italian has the potential to pose a significant threat in this hard-court setting.

“I know I need to elevate my game against a player like Tsitsipas,” Berrettini said after his recent victories. The 28-year-old has shown strong form, recently upsetting Novak Djokovic in Doha and advancing further in Dubai without dropping a set.

Despite his wins in Dubai, Tsitsipas has had a struggling season thus far, posting a 5-4 record in 2025. In contrast, Berrettini, with a 5-4 record as well, seems to be gaining confidence, making his upcoming matchup intriguing.

“It’s just about finding that top level of play,” Tsitsipas reflected. “I feel like I can still compete at a high level, but it’s a test every time.”

In previous meetings, all three of Tsitsipas’ hard-court matches against Berrettini resulted in tiebreak sets, a testament to their closely matched skills. As Tsitsipas aims to secure a semifinal spot, Berrettini’s aggressive tactics and powerful serving will add pressure.

“I’m just trying to stay calm, focus on my serve, and create opportunities,” Berrettini explained. “I’ve played well in this tournament, and I want to keep that going.”

With both players in search of a breakthrough performance in 2025, the stakes are high as they vie for a spot in the semifinals. Tsitsipas believes he can return to his peak form while Berrettini looks to continue his ascent in this prestigious tournament.