Has the best Matteo Berrettini returned?

Carlos Navarro | 25 Nov 2024 | 17.25

Matteo Berrettini celebrates during the Davis Cup. Source: Getty

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Matteo Berrettini has been one of the main protagonists of the past week. While most of the attention was on Jannik Sinner, the contribution of the Roman to the 2024 Davis Cup won by Italy was vital and as essential as that of his compatriot. Flawless in singles (with wins over Kokkinakis and van de Zandschulp) and exerting tremendous leadership in the decisive quarterfinals doubles match, Matteo has completed a perfect season in the Davis Cup, achieving a 5-0 record when wearing the Italian jersey.

At 28 years old, his performances in Malaga contrast greatly with the person who appeared in a press conference just a year ago. A sad, downcast face, aware that he also deserved to be part of the team: he was cheering on his compatriots in pursuit of the title, but was still unable to step on the court due to the damn injuries that had given him so much trouble. He expressed to the media his hopes of returning in 2024, with the goal of finding consistency and solidity: a year later, after great moments (three titles, although in ATP 250 tournaments) and not-so-good ones (early exits in the major tournaments of the year and some absences due to recurring issues), we finally saw the fiercest Matteo again, the one who makes everyone tremble with his serves and shows a lot of heart on the court.

"Last year, I remember it was nice to be in Malaga, but at the same time, there was a moment when I said to myself: 'Why did I come?' I wasn't 100% part of the team because I am a competitive guy who wants to be there for real. I guess I did it for myself, I recharged my energy with those matches. I realized how much Davis Cup means to me. Living all those moments and being inspired by that energy made me think that next year I would be here, fighting with Italy. I used it as motivation for all the training and what was to come", says candidly a Berrettini who found in that Davis Cup a small refuge amidst the turbulent waves his professional career was encountering.

"I THOUGHT TENNIS WAS OVER FOR ME"

Those were moments of suffering, sadness, and reflection. The Italian couldn't find the spark neither physically nor mentally, something that has improved this year after finishing the season and getting closer than ever to the level of the best. "I am very proud of myself, of the work I have done, of the moments when I had to grind, it hasn't been easy. There were times when I thought that tennis was over for me, that my body couldn't handle it. I felt weak. The people who helped me told me to trust them, that I wasn't weak, and I thank them. There were things I had to deal with: once I accepted it, everything became much easier".

The Davis Cup title is, therefore, a perfect completion of the circle. A way to leave behind a stormy part of his career, to set aside personal suffering while his compatriots gave their all for the 'Azzurra' on the court. Is it time for a second youth for Matteo Berrettini? At 28 years old, with good physical dedication and the feeling of having fulfilled a dream, there are still many seasons ahead for a guy who continues to leave very little room for error on fast surfaces. Only time will tell if he can approach his peak again.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Ha vuelto el mejor Matteo Berrettini?