UTS1: How The Hammer confirmed he belongs in the ATP Top 10

The UTS field is chock full of earth-shattering talent, but only one player possesses the power to shake all of their foundations with one crippling blow – the Hammer Matteo Berrettini.

The Italian broke into the world’s top 10 last year and here in the South of France the 24-year-old is showing the world why he belongs at the top of tennis.

Berrettini has turned in a string of jaw-dropping performances, and entered the final weekend ranked first in quarters won and second to only Stefanos Tsitsipas with a plus-72 point differential.

His weapon of choice is the forehand but the Hammer can do damage from anywhere on the court once he takes control of a point. He has connected on 52 aces and smashed 109 winners in his eight previous matches, and used the winners count three card to perfection on many occasions.

As the pressure rises expect the Italian’s level to rise. Last season the Hammer proved that he’s a big-match player by becoming the first Italian to reach US Open semi-finals in 42 years. He’ll be eager to show that his success is not a fluke as he sets his sights on the UTS title this weekend.