Full Breakdown
Emilio Nava Upsets Matteo Berrettini at Chile Open
2/25/2026, 12:32:33 PM
Key Match Details
Emilio Nava achieved a significant upset by defeating Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the BCI Seguros Chile Open on February 24, 2026. The match took place at the Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica in Santiago, Chile, where Nava, ranked No. 79 in the PIF ATP Rankings, won decisively with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This victory marked Nava's main-draw debut at the ATP 250 event and showcased his strong performance on clay.
Match Performance
Nava's performance was characterized by his effective serving, as he saved all three break points he faced and won 84% of his first-serve points, totaling 32 out of 38 successful serves. The match lasted 87 minutes, during which Nava expressed his mental readiness and positive attitude, stating, “A super tough opponent in Berrettini, with a big serve... I was being positive and just competing.” This win is notable as it is his biggest victory by ranking since defeating Zizou Bergs in Toronto the previous July.
Background on Players
Matteo Berrettini, a former Top 10 player, has struggled to regain his form after missing the Australian Open due to injury. He entered the Chile Open as the sixth seed, having reached the quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro but faced early exits in previous tournaments. In contrast, Emilio Nava has had a mixed start to the season, with only two wins prior to this match, making this victory crucial for his confidence and momentum.
Other Matches and Players
In addition to Nava's upset, other notable matches included Elmer Moller defeating Roman Andres Burruchaga for his first ATP Tour main-draw win and Alejandro Tabilo overcoming Tomas Barrios Vera in an all-Chilean matchup. Cristian Garin also secured a victory against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, marking his first tour-level win since September 2025. Tabilo and Garin are the only players to have participated in all seven editions of the Chile Open.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding Nava's victory, some analysts had predicted Berrettini would win, citing his experience and historical performance on clay. Critics noted that Berrettini's recent struggles could hinder his ability to perform at his best, highlighting the unpredictability of the tournament's outcomes.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the match, Nava emphasized the importance of mental preparation and positivity in his game. Berrettini, while not quoted directly, has acknowledged the need to improve his performance to regain his competitive edge on the ATP Tour.
What's Next
Emilio Nava will face either Francesco Passaro or Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the second round, while Berrettini will need to reassess his strategy moving forward in the season. The Chile Open continues to attract attention as players seek to capitalize on this clay-court opportunity amidst a competitive schedule.
