Matteo Berrettini breaks silence on sacking Rafael Nadal's long-term coach after 10 months

Matteo Berrettini has spoken out on his decision to split with former coach Francisco Roig just weeks before the Davis Cup commences.

The powerful Italian had been working with Roig since December 2023. But this week, the 28-year-old confirming they had parted ways after 10 months together.

Berrettini announced a social media post on Monday that he had terminated his coaching agreement with Roig, 56, who previously worked with for 17 years until 2022.

"I wanted to let you know that Francisco Roig and I have decided to end our professional relationship," Berrettini wrote on his Instagram Story. "I can only thank him for all the work he's done this year; his dedication, and the results we've achieved together.

"It was a professional experience that allowed me to grow immensely, both on and off the court. I wish him all the best for the future and send him my heartfelt good luck. Thank you."

The Wimbledon 2021 finalist, is working towards making the cut for Italy's Davis Cup squad in Malaga. Roig's departure has caused some consternation as Berrettini has left himself without a coach ahead of an intensive schedule until the end of 2024, starting with the Paris Masters this week.

But the 28-year-old clarified that he ended his working relationship with Roig on amicable terms after they both accepted their views on how to move forward were not aligned.

"It was not an easy choice to make, but a shared one," Berrettini told Sky Sport Italy. "Francisco helped me on my path to return and improvement, but we saw things differently.

"It was a professional decision, I thank him for what it was because we had a year full of successes. Now we turn the page, let's hope [for better things] for the future."

Berrettini has endured a turbulent time during his tennis career after suffering a ruptured ankle ligament at the 2023 US Open and a torn oblique muscle earlier in the year.

He fell to 129th in the ATP rankings as a result, but the Monaco-born star has climbed back inside the top 50 after passing the 40-win mark for the season.

Berrettini is on the cusp of being seeded in Grand Slam main draws at no. 36 in the world and hopes to convince Italy coach Filippo Volandri to select him alongside Jannik Sinner and Flavio Cobolli for the Davis Cup.

"It would be the icing on the cake of this comeback season... Davis Cup is my goal, [my] dream," he added. "However, we [Italy] are spoiled for choice, with a very deep roster and the strongest player in the world [Sinner].

"If I were to be called up it would be a huge honour, I will always be ready for Italy."