With more than 100 tour-level match wins and 5 ATP Tour singles titles, Matteo Berrettini’s record achievements speak to his talent and dedication. As the only Italian tennis player to reach the Wimbledon final and ranking as No.6 in the world at 25 years old, Berrettini is now expanding his horizon beyond the court and into the world of fashion. While we rang in the New Year, so did he with a new BOSS partnership as their newest Global Brand Ambassador. Since then, he debuted a tennis essentials-inspired capsule collection with the luxury fashion house and is set to unveil his BOSS X MATTEO BERRETTINI later this summer. He also starred in the #BeYourOwnBoss Spring/Summer 2022 campaign as part of BOSS’ comprehensive brand refresh.

Earlier this week, he held a tennis lesson with BOSS contest winners at Cañas Tennis accompanied by a Q&A, autographs, and photographs. He later hosted a meet-and-greet event at BOSS’ Aventura retail location in Miami. Now, he has sat down with VMAN to share his new venture with the brand, tennis journey, fashion’s integration in his life, advice for rising tennis stars, and much more.

This interview with Berrettini has been edited for context and clarity.

VMAN: Can you explain the dynamic of your relationship and partnership with BOSS?

Matteo Berrettini: My partnership with BOSS consists of designing clothes, primarily when I’m on the court. They have brought me some new ideas about how I can dress, which is exciting because I have a lot of input in creating my line and when I step onto the court, like with my hoodies and the clothing I wear overall. So, it’s something new and unique that I never had the chance to do before, so it’s really exciting.

VMAN: What aspects or attributes do you look for in emerging talent both athletically and mentally?

Matteo Berrettini: I have always said to everybody and myself that the most important thing is to enjoy what you do, the sport you play, or anything else you seek to accomplish in life. The first trait I look at with emerging talent is if they are genuinely enjoying what they’re doing and are craving to be there. Of course, there are so many other aspects you can look at too, but when you’re young, you can shape your talent since you still have a lot of time to grow. It also depends on which kind of vision you have and the direction you want to go in, such as if you’re going to be a professional or going to college, it depends. There are a lot of aspects you can look at, but the most important one is to enjoy the sport you play.

VMAN: What are some things you wish you knew or had learned as you embarked on your professional tennis career?

Matteo Berrettini: When I was younger, I would say it was my dream to play tennis and to think about playing. I thought that was it. I felt there couldn’t be anything else. I knew this career involved interviews, but I didn’t know there were contracts and commitments and sometimes challenging situations you have to handle off the court too. I thought tennis was all about the court, you know, once you’re feeling good while playing, nothing or nobody matters, but it’s not like that. I think it’s important to teach kids, especially when they’re a little older, such as at the ages of 17, 18, or 19, that certain situations can happen and we are not born with ‘how do I know this stuff?’ Having someone who can teach and protect you from these situations can also be really helpful.

VMAN: What are the key attributes that make the ideal tennis player in this state of the game?

Matteo Berrettini: Overall at this moment, all the best tennis players in the world are tall and powerful. At the same time, we can all move pretty well. Physically, you have to be agile and endurance because the match can be lengthy. Mentally, you have to be able to maintain your focus for several hours, so it’s like I said before, try to be focused even though something is happening. It’s not all that easy to have the willpower to confirm yourself every week for a match

VMAN: How do fashion and functionality play a role in your life personally and while you’re playing professionally?

Matteo Berrettini: I have always liked fashion in the way that I like to dress up, such as when I go out to dinners or anything. I always appreciate that feeling. I like to feel good about what I’m wearing. But of course, for my tennis, it’s more that I use fashion as a refresher. Being BOSS’ Global Brand Ambassador also gives me the chance to meet many people I probably wouldn’t have encountered in the fashion world. I try to take new routes, meet new people, and be even more prepared when on the court.

VMAN: What is the best advice you’ve received in your professional tennis career?

Matteo Berrettini: Unfortunately, I have been experiencing several injuries. Since I was young, my coach Vincenzo has always told me, ‘don’t worry about your injuries, especially when you’re young because your career will last longer.’ He would say this because once you don’t play, for example, for six or seven months, you will have a greater urge to play again. I never felt the pressure or I was in a rush to reach a certain level or ranking. Vincenzo taught me to be calm and that I wasn’t sprinting like in a 100-meter race, that tennis is more a marathon, so it’s essential to be consistent in the long term, and that’s what I’m trying to do.

VMAN: How do you envision the game of tennis will evolve as the next generation makes their debut? How did you plan to prepare them at the group lesson?

Matteo Berrettini: Like all other sports, tennis aligns with being strong physically. All the younger players are strong, and they maneuver the court well. Tennis workouts and everything is getting more detailed, so the level of competition is getting higher and higher. In a way, there is a means for much more exposure for younger players and generations. It’s valuable to keep them focused on what matters, like in the sport of tennis, growing your personality, and who you are on an off the court—also, not being everywhere, such as on social media. Though these outlets are important, once you reach a specific ranking and position, it’s also vital to make the younger generations understand that tennis is a long path. It’s not something that’s going to happen in a few months. It takes a lot of work and sometimes sacrifices. As my coach told me, ‘be calm, don’t rush,’ but at the same time, make sure I give 100 percent every day.