LONDON - When Matteo Berrettini recently won the Queen's Club title in London, he was told that the last man to win on his debut had won Wimbledon a few weeks later.
It was Boris Becker, who won the title at Wimbledon in 1985 at the age of 17 and won it twice more in 1986 and 1989.
To be compared to Baker at Wimbledon is a huge compliment to any player. The German was one of the best grass-court players of all time, a man whose serve and volley tennis thrilled crowds at the All England Club for more than a decade.
It was equally strange, and appropriate, that Baker must have been one of the first people Berettini met upon arrival at Wimbledon. And Baker was on hand with some advice.
"Of course, it's nice to hear my name close to him," said Berrettini. "I think the best thing was that I met him as soon as I got here. He was walking. He stopped. I was surprised because he knew who I was. He made me feel good. He told me, well Done. Now we have something in common.
"He also told me that I'd have to keep my mind clear for the long run here. I'll try to do that."
Even though Baker's words were the inspiration, Berrettini has certainly followed his advice, as his 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Ilya Ivashka on Monday propelled him into the quarterfinals for the first time.
On Wednesday, he defeated good friend Felix Auger-Aliassim 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the semi-finals.
His big serve and big forehand work well, but his skill on the grass probably shouldn't come as a surprise. He won his first grasscourt title in Stuttgart two years ago and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2019, being stopped by Roger Federer.
A semifinalist at the US Open two years ago and a quarterfinalist in Paris last month, Berrettini's stock has been rising for some time. Seeded seventh at Wimbledon, he dropped the only set that was from Guido Pella in the first round.
In a crop of young Italians exciting to the men, Berrettini took his time to come up through the ranks. He likes to say that he was never considered the best junior in any age group, and that he was a late developer.
Vincenzo Santopadre has been by his side since Berrettini was just 15, longevity is another reason why Italians are having so much success. When things are not going well, there is no rush to make decisions or change coaches.
Now, Berrettini has become one of the victims. It is a position he has earned, and which he appreciates.
"I mean, under pressure and things like that, I think it's a privilege in a way," he said. "If someone told me a few years ago, look, they're going to compare your name to Baker... I'd love it. That sounds great.
"I know now that I step on the court, the people around me normally expect me to win. I expect myself to win. Two years ago, three years ago when I moved here , I know it wasn't like that. Everything changed."
The reason for their success is the way they serve Berrettini. His big forehand is almost as strong a weapon, but it's what he does during the service that's helping him reach this point.
After four matches, Berrettini had hit the most aces (67), was third in the first serve without a comeback, and won the top 10 in both seconds without a comeback and for the first time. He was also second in points won on second serves, which has always been considered a good indicator of a player's strength.
And the good news for Berrettini is that he doesn't seem to have reached the summit yet this week.
"I think I didn't play my best tennis [against Ivashka]," he said. "I didn't play a really bad match, I won in straight sets with a guy who was playing really well. That means I played a really good level. But I know I can play better.
"It gives me confidence because I know I can win matches like this even if I'm not playing, like I said, my best tennis. Plus, I know I can play better. I see really positive things. I am also happy because I have played only three sets."
Two more wins and the comparison with Baker might actually start to mean something.
"I wish I had everything [with him], all the titles and stuff like that," Berrettini said. "I'll try to get there."