Matteo Berrettini's Awkward Interview Fuels Speculation of Rift with Fellow Italian Tennis Player

Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini's demeanor during a post-match interview at the ATP 500 Erste Bank Open in Vienna has led to widespread speculation about a potential rift with compatriot Lorenzo Musetti. When asked on Monday if Musetti's recent Lyon Open title served as inspiration, Berrettini responded with an ambiguous, "Is it live?" before offering a terse, "It’s okay….I know he worked really hard to come back and I guess he deserved it." He then abruptly ended the interview.

The exchange, marked by pauses and awkward laughter, has fueled rumors that Musetti may have become romantically involved with Berrettini's ex-girlfriend, Italian dancer Vanessa Bellini. The couple reportedly ended their nearly year-long relationship this summer.

Further fueling these rumors, Berrettini appears to have unfollowed Musetti on Instagram as of Wednesday. Musetti, however, still follows Berrettini. Musetti remains on good terms with his girlfriend, Veronica Confalonieri, with whom he has two sons. The couple has been together since 2022 and recently shared photos from a trip to Tokyo.

Berrettini and Musetti were teammates on the 2024 Davis Cup-winning Italian team. However, Musetti was not selected for the 2025 Davis Cup squad, while Berrettini was available and went on to win another tournament title. Italy's Davis Cup captain, Filippo Volandri, stated that selections were based on current rankings, with Berrettini currently ranked No. 48 and Musetti at No. 26. Despite the captain's statement, some have speculated that Berrettini's absence from the Davis Cup team might be connected to the perceived tension between the players.

The Vienna Open could potentially see Berrettini and Musetti face each other in the semifinals. Berrettini has advanced to the Round of 16 and is scheduled to play Flavio Cobolli, while Musetti is set to compete against Arthur Fery after defeating Francis Tiafoe.