Matteo Berrettini has piled the praise on his teammate and countryman Jannik Sinner after Italy defended their Davis Cup crown.
Both Berrettini and Sinner went undefeated this week at the team tournament – winning a doubles match together and sweeping their singles rubbers.
And the former Wimbledon finalist gave an insight into the world No. 1’s attitude towards being on a team, claiming Sinner’s approach “said a lot” about him.
Twelve months ago, Italy ended a 47-year drought to lift the Davis Cup trophy. After waiting so long, they decided to double up and retained their crown in 2024.
Berrettini beat the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in Sunday’s final before Sinner downed Tallon Griekspoor to secure victory for Italy. It capped off an incredible season for the world No. 1, who ends the year with a 73-6 record and has won eight titles as well as the Davis Cup.
It was also a special moment for Berrettini, who couldn’t be part of the winning squad in 2023 because he was forced to end his season early due to injury. He did turn up last year to cheer his compatriots on from the sidelines. And he knew then that Sinner would go on to do big things.
“I think I can speak for everyone. Seeing Sinner play from the sidelines is something special,” the former world No. 6 said.
“Last year we were already saying that this kid was something different. Everyone said they had never seen anyone hit the ball with such power, and many times it seemed like he couldn’t miss. Since then, he has only lost six games and has proven to be the best in the world.”
Sinner’s ability isn’t the only thing that has impressed Berrettini, as the 28-year-old has been impressed with the young star’s attitude. Berrettini and Sinner were subbed in to represent Italy in a decisive doubles rubber against Argentina in their quarter-final.
Experienced top-10 doubles pairing Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori were meant to play the match. And Berettini explained that the world No. 1 wanted to make sure it was fine to take their place in the match.
Berrettini added: “Before the doubles match, Sinner wanted to see if all his teammates were happy with the captain’s decision. That says a lot about him.
“His tennis is spectacular, but the way he handles everything off the court and his relationships with the team is the reason why he won the Davis Cup again.”
Doubles has been a touchy subject at this week’s Davis Cup Finals. Team USA swapped out former No. 1s Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram for two singles players and lost – and team captain Bob Bryan faced backlash for his decision.
But Bolelli and Vavassori backed Sinner and explained that they were happy to step back for the good of the team. “I’m not disappointed, but with this team it’s normal that they played,” Bolelli said.
“Jannik is in incredible condition and Berrettini is playing brutally this week, so it’s normal. We accept it, our goal was to win the title again and all row in one direction, so we’re happy.”
Vavassori added: “I’m happy to share this moment for the team. I’ve had a great year with Bolelli and the captain didn’t have an easy decision. One of our keys is that we have many good different players.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk