"Jannik Sinner wanted to check that it was okay" - Matteo Berrettini makes eye-opening remark as he shares inside details of Italy's Davis Cup defense
Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini have led Italy to a second consecutive Davis Cup title in Malaga. The duo played an instrumental role in guiding their nation to victory, and Berrettini praised Sinner by revealing a behind-the-scenes incident from the tournament.
Italy faced the Netherlands in the title contest at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals on November 24. Berrettini started the campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp and gave the Italians a 1-0 lead after emerging victorious 6-4, 6-2. Then it all came down to Sinner, who had won 29 of his last 30 matches.
Sinner faced Tallon Griekspoor in the second singles tie, who pushed him to a tiebreaker in the first set, but the World No. 1 eventually took a one-set advantage and closed out the match in the second set 7-6(2), 6-2. Consequently, Italy successfully defended its title at the tournament.
In the post-match press conference, Berrettini praised Jannik Sinner looking back at their quarterfinal against Argentina where they replaced doubles specialists Simone Bolelli and Andre Vavassori for the deciding tie. The Wimbledon finalist shared that Sinner went to the duo to see if they agreed with the move:
"I think he just proved that he's the best in the world. And as you can see, he's the most humble guy on the planet. He came here, he showed so much respect for the team. Before we stepped on the court for doubles, he wanted to check with everybody that it was OK, our decision, and I think this is special.
This is something that you have in your heart. And obviously, the tennis is impressive. But I think the, the way he manages everything off court and the relationship between people is what makes him special and why we have two of these now back in Italy."
Italians have shined the brightest on the tennis circuit this year. On both WTA and ATP Tours, players from the nation have lifted 25 titles combined.
Jannik Sinner leads the Italian denomination of tennis in 2024
Jannik Sinner was the most successful player in 2024, with eight titles. He won the Australian and US Open in addition to three Masters 1000s, two ATP 500s, and the ATP Finals.
Other Italian men to win accolades on the ATP Tour this year include Matteo Berrettini (three ATP 250s), Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli (two ATP 500s and one ATP 250 in doubles), Luciano Darderi (one ATP 250), and Lorenzo Sonego (one ATP 250). Lorenzo Musetti took the men's singles bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Paolini raised the Italian flag on the 2024 WTA Tour. She won her maiden WTA 1000 title in Dubai and partnered with Sara Errani to win the women's doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics, two WTA 1000s, and one WTA 250.
Furthermore, Errani and Vavassori won the mixed doubles title at the 2024 US Open. The Italian men's team lifted the Davis Cup, and the women's team won the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup.