Matteo Berrettini has fond tennis memories of Australia and is keen to hit form in the United Cup for Italy as a precursor to breaking through for his first grand slam win.
The 26-year-old world No.16 pushed Novak Djokovic all the way in the 2021 Wimbledon final. He lost in the semi-finals of the 2022 Australian Open when he took eventual winner Rafael Nadal to four sets, as the first Italian man to reach the tournament's last four.
Berrettini and the Italian team will play in the Brisbane group phase of the mixed 18-country United Cup team event starting on Thursday.
"I love to play in Australia. I like the conditions. I like the crowd...and the energy," Berrettini said after joining the Italian team on a boat ride on the Brisbane River.
"I've always had good memories here. (Italy) also had a good run in the ATP Cup, reaching the final (in 2021), so it is nice to be here.
"Hopefully I am going to build up a lot of confidence from this event to have a long run in the Australian Open as well."
Berrettini said his performances at the pointy end of grand slams against Nadal and Djokovic had given him the belief he could go all the way in the Australian Open next month.
"I think it is also about the experience. The more you play against them the more you learn how to beat them," he told reporters.
"When I played Novak at Wimbledon, I think it was his 30th final in a slam. It was my first. Obviously he is a great player as well, so it wasn't an easy task.
"I felt, and I feel, super honoured to play against them. Hopefully next time I am going to win.
"I am feeling more confident and am having long runs in slams."
The Italian team at the United Cup boasts rising 20-year-old and world No.23 Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Berrettini in the final to win the Tennis Napoli Cup trophy in October.
"It was really special for us and for Italy in general to have a final between us. I am pretty sure it is not going to be the last (final) we play against each other," Berrettini said.
"We are pushing each other to get better and better ... so when we play a team competition like this it feels nice. It is a new event and we are really excited."
