Emilio Nava delivered a comprehensive upset over former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, winning 6-3, 6-4 in the Round of 32 at the ATP Santiago hard court event on February 24, 2026. The American capitalized on a lethal first serve—winning 84% of points when he found the box—while converting 2 of 4 break chances and saving all 3 break points he faced to hand the 10-time ATP titlist an early exit.
Berrettini, despite a superior 74% first-serve percentage, couldn’t pressure Nava’s delivery when it mattered. The Italian went 0 for 3 on break points and produced just 16 winners to Nava’s 22, never threatening a comeback after dropping the opening set. Nava took command with a decisive break in the sixth game of the first set and never looked back, breaking once more in the second to seal the win in straight sets.
Nava’s controlled aggression—22 winners against 18 unforced errors—kept Berrettini on his heels throughout. The American won 62 total points to Berrettini’s 51, closing out the match efficiently after 90 minutes on court to advance to the Round of 16.
Key Takeaways
- Nava’s first serve was devastating when he found the box, winning 84% of those points—11 percentage points better than Berrettini’s already-strong 73%.
- Break point conversion told the story: Nava went 2 for 4 (50%) while Berrettini failed to convert any of his 3 opportunities, unable to apply sustained return pressure.
- Despite landing just 60% of first serves compared to Berrettini’s 74%, Nava dominated his second serve rallies as well, winning 52% to Berrettini’s woeful 46%.
- The American’s winner-to-error ratio (22 winners, 18 errors) was more aggressive than Berrettini’s conservative 16 winners and 14 errors, a reversal of what you’d typically expect against a power player.
Player Analysis
Emilio Nava
Nava played the match of his career, combining aggressive first-strike tennis with clutch serving under pressure. His 84% first-serve points won is a stunning figure, especially against a returner of Berrettini’s caliber, and he backed it up by winning the majority of his second-serve exchanges as well. Four aces kept the Italian off-balance, while Nava’s 22 winners showed he wasn’t content to push the ball—he went after his shots and executed.
What truly separated Nava was his return game. Breaking twice from just four opportunities is efficient work, and crucially, he saved all three break points he faced. That mental fortitude under duress—refusing to hand Berrettini momentum when chances arose—defined the match. With this career-best win, Nava announces himself as a legitimate threat on hard courts.
Matteo Berrettini
Berrettini’s performance was puzzling given the underlying numbers. He served at 74%, found three aces, and committed just 14 unforced errors—all respectable figures. Yet he generated only 16 winners and went 0 for 3 on break points, failing to create consistent pressure on the Nava serve. For a player built around his forehand firepower and ability to dictate, producing six fewer winners than an opponent ranked well below him signals a lack of aggression or execution on key balls.
The Italian’s 46% second-serve points won is alarming for a player of his pedigree. Nava consistently attacked the Berrettini second delivery and won those exchanges, neutralizing what should have been a physical mismatch. After 10 career titles, Berrettini knows how to win—but on this day in Santiago, he couldn’t find the gears when Nava raised his level.
Match Statistics
| Emilio Nava | Stat | Matteo Berrettini |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Aces | 3 |
| 4 | Double Faults | 2 |
| 60% | 1st Serve % | 74% |
| 84% | 1st Serve Points Won | 73% |
| 52% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 46% |
| 2/4 | Break Points Won | 0/3 |
| 22 | Winners | 16 |
| 18 | Unforced Errors | 14 |
| 62 | Total Points Won | 51 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Emilio Nava vs Matteo Berrettini at ATP Santiago 2026?
Emilio Nava defeated Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets in the Round of 32 at the ATP Santiago hard court event on February 24, 2026.
How many break points did Emilio Nava convert against Berrettini?
Nava converted 2 of 4 break point opportunities (50%), while Berrettini failed to convert any of his 3 chances, going 0 for 3.
What was Emilio Nava’s first serve winning percentage against Berrettini?
Nava won an impressive 84% of his first-serve points, significantly better than Berrettini’s 73%, despite landing only 60% of first serves compared to Berrettini’s 74%.
Who won the ATP Santiago Round of 32 match between Nava and Berrettini?
Emilio Nava won the upset, defeating 10-time ATP titlist Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the Round of 16.
What’s Next
Nava advances to the Round of 16 at ATP Santiago, where he’ll look to build on this career-defining victory. Berrettini, meanwhile, heads home earlier than expected and will need to reassess his hard court form ahead of the North American swing.
