'I have to be at my best to step and step on court to win' - Matteo Berrettini feels confident ahead Rome Open return after four year absence

There's no place like home, as Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini prepares to make his return to the Rome Open following a multiyear absence due to several injuries.

The 29-year old has had bad luck at the ATP Masters event, as he has missed his home tournament in Rome for the past four years. Berrettini spent the last few years dealing with various ailments, leading to him making sporadic appearances on tour. However, the former World No.6 appears set to thrill the local fans who will undoubtedly flood Center Court to see him in action.

Berrettini feeling good ahead of opening round match

Although the World No.30 was forced to withdraw during his third round match in Madrid two weeks ago, his ailment seems to be behind him. Scheduled to face rising British star Jacob Fearnley on Saturday, Berrettini revealed he was in good spirits and felt fine physically.

"I'm feeling good," said Berrettini on media day. "I worked hard to be able to play here. Luckily, I play on Saturday, so I still have a few days to train. After Madrid, I rested to recover from the abdominal injury.
"Today I had a good practice session with Korda. I'm truly happy to be back playing here: I admit that after Madrid, the ghosts of previous years started to reappear. With my team, I tried not to let myself get down too much.
"In my career, victories matter less than the emotions. I'm hoping for some special ones this week. Actually, I'm quite sure I will feel them: I was born here and I have a lot of friends who'll be cheering from the stands. The opponent doesn't matter, because first and foremost I need to respect myself: I have to be at my best and step on court to win."