Matteo Berrettini has tempered expectations ahead of Italy’s Davis Cup defense despite a remarkable comeback year.
The Italian has been right up at the top of the game, competing in the Wimbledon final just two years ago, and ranked as highly as sixth in the world.
Matteo Berrettini however faced six months on the sidelines nursing all manner of injuries in 2023 – issues that then bled into this year and sought to stall his progress throughout.
Returning in March, it took just weeks to lift his first title since 2022 in Morocco, before a frustrating combination of fitness and health woes saw Berrettini miss nearly the entire clay-court season.
Returning where he’s found his most joy – Wimbledon – he took a set off countryman Jannik Sinner, before clinching back-to-back titles in Gstaad and Kitzbühel.
With the Davis Cup approaching however, Berrettini is facing numerous issues – this time however, not fitness or injury related.
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The Italian was not part of Italy’s team last year, who battled past Novak Djokovic’s Serbia before defeating Australia to end a 47-year wait for the Davis Cup trophy.
While just two years ago, Berrettini would’ve been the first name on the list for Italy, however now faces an intense battle for any kind of role.
Acknowledging what might be imminent disappointment, Berrettini was still quick to outline how much the event means to him: “The Davis Cup is a dream, a goal for me; it would be the icing on the cake of this comeback season,” he admitted.
However, with Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti, and rising star Flavio Cobolli all above him in the rankings, Berrettini confronted the immensely strong set of players he’s battling for a spot with.
“The reality is that Italy is fortunate to have many options to choose from for the playoffs; we have a very deep roster where, among them, the best player in the world can be found,” he said of Sinner. “If I were ultimately called up, it would be a great honor; on my part, I will always be ready to play for Italy.”
With some off-court changes made recently coaching wise, Berrettini will need a big run in Paris to further convince team coach Filippo Volandri.
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Matteo Berrettini is the perfect choice for the Davis Cup finals
Despite having there players ahead of him, Berrettini’s form and trophy-haul this season surely makes his case rather strong.
Musetti has displayed mostly patchy hard-court form since his Olympic heroics – despite a magnificent win against Alexander Zverev in Vienna – while Cobolli’s arguable inexperience raises a red-flag.
Berrettini was faultless in the Davis Cup ties in September, winning all three confidently.
Facing Argentina in their quarter-final, Berrettini currently has an unbeaten record against top player Sebastian Baez, as well as number two Francisco Cerundolo.
For his experience and confidence on the hard courts, Berrettini offers an intensely intimidating prospect.
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