Matteo Berrettini has sparked speculation about a possible fallout with fellow Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti after asking 'Is this live?' during a post-match interview in Vienna on 26 October. The exchange came after Berrettini was asked about Musetti's recent Lyon Open title. There was a brief response that prompted fans to revisit unverified allegations involving Berrettini's former girlfriend.
Berrettini had just defeated Tomás Martín Etcheverry 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the Erste Bank Open when the interviewer asked about Musetti's success in Lyon. Rather than immediately answering, Berrettini appeared caught off guard and questioned whether the interview was being broadcast live.
After receiving confirmation, he responded: 'I know he worked really hard to come back, and I guess he deserves it.' The remark was complimentary on its face, but viewers focused on his initial reaction and the measured tone of his answer. The clip subsequently circulated on Reddit and other social media platforms, where fans debated whether it hinted at tension between the players.
The Centre of Rumours
The discussion centres on social media allegations that Musetti became romantically involved with Vanessa Bellini, Berrettini's former girlfriend. This allegedly happened while she was still in a relationship with the Wimbledon finalist.
The claim has circulated among tennis fans alongside reports that Berrettini and Musetti stopped following each other on Instagram.
The allegations remain unverified. Neither player has publicly confirmed that an affair took place or that it caused a breakdown in their friendship.
Musetti's personal life has also become part of the online discussion because of previous speculation about his relationship with Veronica Confalonieri, with whom he has two children. Some online accounts have attempted to connect reported changes in their social media activity to the claims involving Bellini.
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Musetti Celebrates Lyon title
Musetti's Lyon Open victory provided the immediate context for the interview. The Italian won the title on 25 October, ending a wait for an ATP Tour trophy that had lasted nearly four years. His performance attracted attention for sporting reasons before the discussion shifted towards his relationship with Berrettini.
Berrettini's response did not directly criticise Musetti's achievement. Instead, he acknowledged the work involved in returning to form and said his compatriot deserved the success. The tension perceived by viewers came primarily from the question about whether the broadcast was live and his apparent discomfort before answering.
Online reactions have been divided. Some fans interpreted the moment as a sign that the rumours could have substance, while others questioned how an interview reaction could prove a specific allegation. The debate on Reddit reflects that disagreement, with commenters pointing out that the clip does not independently confirm the claims about the players' private lives.
Berrettini's Davis Cup Omission
The conversation gained another dimension after Berrettini was left out of Italy's squad for the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, while Musetti was selected alongside Flavio Cobolli and Luciano Darderi. The doubles team includes Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, according to Tennis Temple's report on 26 October.
Some fans have connected Berrettini's omission to the alleged fallout, but no confirmed evidence establishes that the reported personal tensions influenced captain Filippo Volandri's selection decision.
Berrettini has played an important role in Italy's recent Davis Cup success, making his absence a talking point in its own right. However, the selection decision should not be treated as proof of a dispute between the two players.
