How Jannik Sinner achieved what even Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer couldn't in historic first after Davis Cup
Jannik Sinner's latest success for Team Italy at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals helped him to a feat that not even the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic could achieve over the course of their respective careers. It marked a glorious end to a season of firsts for Sinner, who produced remarkable consistency throughout the year.
Sinner was the pivotal player for Italy at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals, ending the country's 47-year wait to win the prestigious international team tennis event. This year again, the ATP World No. 1 rose to the occasion, proving himself as arguably the team's most valuable player as he remained undefeated across both singles and doubles.
By winning the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, Jannik Sinner became the first player in men's tennis history to win the international team tennis event, two Grand Slam titles, and the year-end Nitto ATP Finals in the same season. It's a feat that eluded both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have both retired from the sport, as well as Novak Djokovic, who is still active.
Matteo Berrettini, Sinner's 2024 Davis Cup Finals teammate, lauded the reigning World No. 1 for his humility and how he manages his off-court life as well.
"Jannik Sinner is the best player in the world...the most humble guy" - Matteo Berrettini after Italy's Davis Cup Finals 2024 title triumph
While Jannik Sinner led the Italian charge at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, his compatriot and former World No. 6 Matteo Berrettini also played an instrumental role. The two paired up for doubles action in the quarterfinals and got the better of Argentine doubles specialists Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.
In the aftermath of the trophy presentation ceremony following Italy's resounding win over the Netherlands in the final of the 2024 Davis Cup, Berettini had high praise for Sinner at a press conference.
"I think he proved that’s he’s the best player in the world & as you see, he’s the most humble guy on the planet….Obviously the tennis is impressive but I think the way he manages everything off court & his relationship with people makes him special," Berrettini told reporters.
Sinner won eight of his 18 ATP Tour-level singles titles this year, which includes not just the Australian Open, US Open, and Nitto ATP Finals triumphs, but also three Masters 1000 events at Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai. The Italian also won two ATP 500 tournaments in Rotterdam and Halle.