Matteo Berrettini continues his 2025 ATP Tour season at the Qatar Open this week, but his fellow Italian Jannik Sinner isn’t involved.
World number one Sinner has accepted a three-month ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), having twice tested positive for banned substance clostebol in 2024.
Sinner’s ban has been questioned by Andrea Petkovic, with the Italian now suspended from competitive action until May 4.
Carlos Alcaraz remains focused despite Sinner’s ban, which comes just after the latter won the Australian Open.
Sinner also won the Australian Open in 2024, along with the US Open, with a total of eight ATP Tour titles going his way.
Matteo Berrettini hasn’t spoken to Jannik Sinner since three-month ban confirmed
And after concluding his individual season with an ATP Finals title, he helped Italy defend their Davis Cup title.
Berrettini also played a key role, with the Italian now sharing his verdict on the three-month ban handed to his compatriot.
“I have always supported Jannik, I will not stop doing so now,” said Berrettini, as quoted by Corriere della Sera.
“I think it is a very difficult moment for him, he is paying for a mistake, I am sorry. I am not a lawyer, I do not have the details. But I have no doubt that he will come back stronger.”
And asked if he has heard from the world number one, Berrettini responded: “No, it seems more right to respect his moment.”
Tennis legend Boris Becker has already stated his support for that verdict, with the German writing on X: “Bravo Matteo!”
Matteo Berrettini praised ‘humble’ Jannik Sinner after 2024 Davis Cup success
Berrettini’s admiration for Sinner particularly came to light after their superb Davis Cup success in November.
Both players featured heavily, and even played doubles together as their nation beat Argentina, Australia and the Netherlands en route to the trophy.
Berrettini missed their 2023 success through injury but still turned up to support his nation, while he heaped praise on Sinner after shining in Malaga last time out.
“I think I speak for everyone, it’s a special experience,” he said, as quoted by Tennis365. “Last year when we were here, we looked at each other and said ‘this guy is special, he is different’.
“We had never seen anyone hit so hard, so flat and make so few mistakes. It seemed like he never made mistakes. Since then he has only lost six matches and proved to be the best in the world.
“But as you have seen, he is the most humble player there is. He came here as if he had not won the ATP Finals. He showed great respect for the team.
“Before entering the doubles against Argentina, he asked the whole team if anyone was okay with that decision and that is something special.
“His tennis is incredible… but it is about how he manages everything off the court and the way he relates to people.”
Matteo Berrettini predicts ‘good things’ ahead of Qatar Open tie vs Novak Djokovic
Unlike Sinner, Berrettini has endured a tricky start to his 2025 season, which started with a round of 32 loss to Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International.
The Italian also lost at that stage of the Rotterdam Open to Tallon Griekspoor, having exited the Australian Open in the second round.
He was, admittedly, handed a very tricky draw against 13th seed Holger Rune, and now faces another formidable foe in Qatar.
Discussing his current state ahead of taking on third seed Novak Djokovic, Berrettini said: “One of transition and construction.
“It’s been years since I started a season without thinking about my body. It almost feels strange. I’m finding my balance again, now I can allow myself to plan for the future, when I wasn’t well it was all a matter of sailing by sight.
“I’m very hard on myself, and it’s a double-edged sword, this severity has allowed me to push myself beyond my limits but in other moments, perhaps of difficulty, I tend to get down more than I should.
“I’m working well but I ask myself for a little patience. I feel that good things will happen. I have a lot of faith in what I’m doing.”
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