Matteo Berrettini highlights the ‘most important’ personal achievement after winning all three of his Davis Cup matches
Matteo Berrettini handed Jannik Sinner the reins as his win over Botic van de Zandschulp put Italy just two sets away from a successful Davis Cup title defense.
The 28-year-old secured a crucial victory for Italy in the Davis Cup final on Sunday, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-2 to give his team a 1-0 lead over the Dutch.
Matteo Berrettini faced some early challenges but gained momentum, winning the final three games of the opening set to seize control of the tie.
Van de Zandschulp, who had earlier ended Rafael Nadal’s career in the quarter-finals, couldn’t keep up as Berrettini’s powerful serve and forehand dominated the second set.
The former world number six capped off the match with a trademark ace and a booming forehand winner.
Matteo Berrettini relishes rediscovered Davis Cup form
Currently ranked 35th in the ATP rankings, Berrettini has struggled with injuries and illness over the past two years, forcing him to miss half of the season’s Grand Slam tournaments.
Despite these setbacks, his three wins in three this week have highlighted his resilience and ambition to take his position back at the top of the men’s game.
Thrilled with his level this week, Berrettini was keen to highlight how his resolve has been such an important weapon after some major injury set-backs last year.
Still in the market for a new coach, the 28-year-old said after the match: “It feels unbelievable. It feels great to be on court. If you win, it’s obviously better. But being able to be healthy and be here, enjoying this kind of atmosphere is most important for me.
Having not been able to take part last year, he added: “Because I missed that. I missed these moments last year. We still have hopefully just one more match to go. But the first step was taken.”
Matteo Berrettini is ready to challenge in 2024
Months off tour have still seen the Italian fly back up the rankings and pick up three titles this year.
Lacing up for a proper return to the circuit in 2025, Berrettini has said that his ability never went anywhere, rather it faded amidst the fitness issues.
“I feel like my level never really left. When you’re struggling physically and mentally, it’s not easy to play your best tennis.
“But I always had the feeling my level was there. I just had to work hard. That’s what I did this year and that’s why I’m playing pretty good right now.”
Berrettini said taking part in the Davis Cup was his dream ending for 2024 – now he’s just inches away from winning it.
