Matteo Berrettini reveals what Italy’s players were saying to each other about Jannik Sinner at the Davis Cup last year

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Matteo Berrettini was full of praise for Jannik Sinner during Italy’s successful defence of the Davis Cup.

Italy defeated The Netherlands 2-0 to become the first team in history to win the tournament in successive years.

The result never looked in doubt as Matteo Berrettini and Sinner each won their singles encounters to ensure Italy retained the Davis Cup.

But they did not all have it their own way, as they needed to make some important decisions when they took on Argentina in the quarter-finals.

What did Matteo Berrettini say about Jannik Sinner at the Davis Cup?

Jannik Sinner brought his phenomenal year to an end by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2), 6-2 to lift his ninth title of the season.

The 23-year-old has also won the last 26 sets he has played at tour level, further illustration of his dominance throughout the campaign. Sinner was drafted into the Italian team for the ‘Final 8‘ in Malaga and arrived fresh off winning the ATP Finals.

He did not let his team down and post-match Berrettini explained how much he and his teammates enjoy watching Sinner play, dating back to the 2023 Davis Cup finals.

“It’s a special experience to watch Sinner courtside. Last year, when we were here, we told each other how special it was to watch him play,” the 28-year-old said. “He has lost 6 matches since.

“He is special, the most humble person. When he got selected to play doubles against Argentina he wanted to make sure that everybody was okay with that decision.”

Matteo Berrettini reacts after helping Italy defend Davis Cup title

Berrettini did not play in the 2023 Davis Cup but was in attendance to support his teammates.

A year later, he was an integral part of their success, both in the group stages in September and the ‘Final 8’ in Spain.

The former World number six won each of his Davis Cup matches in 2024, including a comeback victory against Thanasi Kokkinakis in the semi-finals.

Berrettini, who was delighted to have contributed to Italy’s victory, said post-match: “I’m just so happy. Obviously last year I was here just to support the team. This year I was able to bring some points to the cause.

“It doesn’t matter who’s playing, we’re always putting our heart on the court. Lorenzo, Jannik, everybody is giving their best. That’s the secret to our team.

“The guys that are back home, Flavio Cobolli, Arnaldi, they won some really important matches in the earlier stages. It’s a big team. We’re happy for the trophy.”