Matteo Berrettini says he plans to learn lessons from his defeats to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to become a better player.
The Italian is making his debut at the ATP Finals after a breakthrough season.
But he has been given an illustration of what is needed to play against the best in the world in his opening two matches.
On Sunday, Djokovic dispatched Berrettini with ease, winning 6-2 6-1.
Then on Tuesday afternoon, Berrettini was much improved but succumbed to a 7-6 6-3 defeat to Federer.
It means Berrettini hopes of reaching the semi-finals are all but over ahead of the final group match on Friday.
But Berrettini says the experience of playing Federer and Djokovic has been important for his development.
He told reporters: “Yeah, I know how many times Roger played the finals – 17. This is my first. So for sure the first time he was, like, a little bit like me, like, nervous and didn’t know what to do exactly.
“But I’m playing against the best guys on the planet and maybe the best guys ever. So I’m proud of what I’m doing. I’m proud how I’m facing these, you know, these kind of situations.”
“I think that I played a good match also against Novak even if the score was not that good.
“But for sure I’m learning. And these kind of losses, they will help me in the future to get better.
“When I stepped in the locker and my coaches were there, I said, Guys, I want to be better. I want to be able to beat those guys.
“With respect, of course. But I’m ready to do the preseason already.”
In his own press conference, Federer gave credit to Berrettini for his performance.
He said: “But he will only improve from here on. And who would have expected him to be here, to be honest, at the start of the year, outside of the top 50?
“Yeah, I’m happy to play him again next time, but I know it’s going to be tougher every time I’ll play him.”