Berrettini: "My family received threats from some gamblers at Roland Garros"
The Italian provided a particular perspective on sports betting and its implications in tennis at the US Open, denouncing episodes of threats against him and his family.
Matteo Berrettini was the protagonist of the day at the US Open 2026, as he became the executioner of Stan Wawrinka, leading to the Swiss player's definitive farewell from Flushing Meadows. His press conference covered various topics, highlighting sports betting and its impact on tennis, as well as the problems it generates for players.
Injuries are a constant punishment for Matteo Berrettini, who overcame some discomfort in his match against Stan Wawrinka at the US Open 2026 and now sees the draw open up for him after Djokovic's elimination. His next opponent will be Argentine Mariano Navone, the executioner of the Serbian, leaving the Italian with a great opportunity to achieve something significant.
However, the bulk of his appearance before the media focused on sports betting. Shortly after it was announced that Kalshi will sponsor the US Open, he was asked about it and offered an interesting perspective on the matter, highlighting very unpleasant personal experiences, as reported by Ubitennis.
Matteo Berrettini calls for protection for tennis players and admits to receiving death threats
The Italian was particularly emphatic when discussing the effects that betting can have on tennis players and revealed that both he and his brother have received threats related to their matches.
"I actually didn't even know there was such a sponsor. It's a complicated question, a complicated topic."
"Players, and I too, have said in the past that we receive messages, and I've had moments when I really did not feel comfortable playing with people interrupting the match and doing things that, in my opinion, have nothing to do with tennis."
"We definitely need to do something. If done right, if managed in a controlled way — when I speak of betting, if it doesn't lead to gambling addiction — then it can even be fun. Personally, I've never done it in my life and don't think I'll start. I don't like casinos, I don't like that kind of stuff."
"I think we need to protect the players and do everything possible to create a safe environment for everyone. Yes. I won a match and there were things written like: 'Matteo is so bad that if you don't tell him to lose, we will kill your family,' or 'we will do this or that.' We were threatened."
"But we are thirty years old, we're adults, but when I think of the girls and younger people, receiving this kind of message can be terrifying. We are tennis players, so it's important to protect ourselves."
There is no doubt that these types of situations must be addressed at their root and that the institutions regulating tennis must take action. The US Open 2026 has made a very controversial decision by partnering with a company like Kalshi, dedicated to sports betting, something that may raise a storm in the circuit with statements like those from Matteo Berrettini.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Berrettini: "Mi familia recibió amenazas de unos apostadores en Roland Garros"