Matteo Berrettini battled to beat qualifier Holger Rune 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the second-round at Indian Wells on Sunday, to set up a third round clash with South African Lloyd Harris.
“It was definitely a tough match – I expected it,” Berrettini said on court after the match.
“He’s improving every time I see him. He’s going to have a bright future.
“Today I think I was able to manage the strokes. I’m really happy, because I wasn’t feeling that comfortable in the court.”
The Italian cruised through the first set before Rune brought him back to earth in the second, then had to pick it up again to see off the third set challenge of his opponent.
The sigh of relief as he came off court at the end summed up his relief.
Harris beat Facundo Bagnis 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to progress to the third round.
