Marrakech Open: Berrettini battles past Navone to reach first ATP final since 2022

Matteo Berrettini continued his fine resurgence by overcoming Argentinian Mariano Navone, the No 7 seed, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2 to reach the final of the Marrakech Open.

It marks the big-serving Italian’s first ATP final in nearly two years having last reached a tour-level final when he won Queen’s back in the summer of 2022 before a recurrent wrist injury hampered his career.

Berrettini’s comeback has gathered pace and momentum this week in Morroco, however, with the former Wimbledon finalist putting it some highly impressive performances reminiscent of some of his best form.

Navone moved a break up in a competitive first set before being pegged back by Berrettini in the tenth game. However, the Argentine took it on a tiebreak, leaving Berrettini with work to do.

From there, however, the Italian found the form he has been showing all week, breaking Navone twice in each of the final two sets to canter to a deserved comeback win.

Berrettini, ranked No 135, will face Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena next.

Ahead of his victory, the Italian beat Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko, the No 6 seed (6-2, 6-1), Spaniard Jaume Munar (6-4, 4-6, 6-3) and No 4 seed Lorenzo Sonego (6-3, 7-6 (5)).

Navone, ranked No 60, defeated Tunisian wildcard Aziz Dougaz (6-3, 6-2), Swiss Stan Wawrinka (3-6, 7-5, 6-2) and Australian Aleksandar Vukic (6-2, 6-4) in the previous rounds of the Marrakech tournament.

Marrakech ATP 250, other semi-final result (Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech, clay, EUR 579.320):

• Roberto Carballes Baena beat Pavel Kotov: 6-4, 6-2