Vincenzo Santopadre in the photo
In the global tennis scene, Italy is becoming a point of reference not only for its players, but also for its coaches. Between these, Vincenzo Santopadre emerges as a prominent figure. In a recent interview given to the Spanish site Puntodebreak, the Roman coach shared reflections and anecdotes about his career and his new projects.
Santopadre, known for his decades of work with Matteo Berrettini, separated from the Italian player last October, closing a significant thirteen-year chapter. Today, his focus is on Luca Van Assche, a young 19 year old French talent with a completely different approach to the game. Despite an unfortunate exit in the second round of the Conde de Godó 2024, Santopadre is optimistic about the potential of his new pupil.
Santopadre describes Van Assche as a tireless worker and an attentive listener. “Luca is strong in defense, but he has a very varied repertoire: an excellent backhand, the ability to play counter-attacks and to construct points intelligently,” explains the coach. The objective for the young Frenchman is not immediately linked to results but to the continuous improvement of the level of play.
“Luca is a boy who listens a lot and works hard. I particularly like this about him. He has all the technical and human qualities to do well, and for me it is a pleasure to help him develop his potential.
In tennis, as in many other sports, it is essential to be open-minded and ready to learn. It’s not just about hitting the ball, it’s about building a strategy, continually adapting to the opponents and the playing conditions.”
When asked about the success of Italian tennis, Santopadre highlights the integrated system of training and competition that has allowed Italy to emerge as a dominant force in world tennis. “We have more than 20 Challenger tournaments and almost 30 players in the top 300. This is the result of teamwork and collective effort,” he says proudly.
“What we are experiencing in Italian tennis is not the result of chance. It is the result of years of serious work, investments in the training of young people and in the creation of a tournament system that allows you to gain experience. We have become a model that many are inspired by.”
On the personal front, Santopadre reflects on the professional separation with Berrettini, underlining the need for change to reinvigorate the player’s career. Looking ahead, the Roman coach is confident that Berrettini can regain the form that led him to compete at the highest levels.
“Every ending leads to a new beginning. With Matteo we have had an incredible journey, and now it is time to continue this experience with Luca, who, despite being very different, has so much to offer.”
The interview ends with a reflection on the challenges of training a young athlete in the digital age, underlining the importance of a balanced mentality focused on continuous improvement rather than immediate results.
“We live in an era where everything seems due right away, but in tennis, lasting results require patience and constant work. It is essential to teach young people that likes on social media are not comparable to successes in the real world.”
Francesco Paolo Villarico
Tags: Vincenzo Santopadre horizons tennis tradition innovation
