Italian Matteo Berrettini, currently ranked 58th in the world, will compete in the Rio Open, presented by Claro, for the second time in his career. In 2022, he was defeated in the quarterfinals by Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who would win his first ATP 500 title two days later.

But Berrettini's connection with Brazil, and especially with Rio de Janeiro, goes far beyond the courts. Grandson of Brazilian Lucia Fogaça, he first came to the city at nine months old and has many memories.

“I am very happy to be here because I have family and friends here, it's a city I love and I have many memories of going to the beach when I was a child, drinking coconut water, guaraná and eating pão de queijo,” said Berrettini, listing typical Brazilian foods.

But don't ask him to speak Portuguese. "Unfortunately, I don't speak the language, but I understand it when you speak slowly," explained the former world number 6.

Berrettini, who will face compatriot Lorenzo Sonego in the first round of the Rio Open, hopes to have a different experience this time.

"Four years ago, it rained a lot, so let's cross our fingers for this week".