Since the turn of the century, Italian male players have struggled compared to their female counterparts. The women have dominated the Fed Cup, winning the tournament four times in 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2013. The men won their only Davis Cup in 1976. However, Italy has recently produced some talented players who have the potential to put the men’s game on the map.
Berrettini to make his ATP Finals debut in London
Matteo Berrettini is among the best players from the country. The Italian will play in the ATP Finals for the first time in his career. He will be the first player from his nation to play in the competition since Corrado Barazzutti in 1978. Berrettini has had some impressive performances this season, winning two singles titles and making it to the semifinals of the US Open. The Italian is happy to represent his country in London next week.
In an interview with La Gazzetta, Berrettini spoke about his qualification for the tournament and the future of tennis in his country. The 23-year-old was relieved to qualify after Denis Shapovalov denied Gael Monfils a spot in the finals by defeating him at the Paris Masters. On the future of tennis in Italy, the world No.8 singled out Jannik Sinner as among the most promising players. He said that the 18-year-old player was progressing at a very fast rate.
Berrettini described Sinner as an intelligent player. From watching the 18-year-old play in training and at a tournament in Monte Carlo, Matteo said that Sinner was already on a higher level than he was at the same age. He also stated that the young Italian player is highly motivated. The 23-year-old said that Sinner is constantly improving and working on his game. The 18-year-old has been putting in the hard work to go along with his undeniable talent.
Berrettini and Sinner the new Italian sensation
Sinner and Berrettini are the latest tennis sensations in Italy. Sinner has risen up the rankings this season and is currently 95th. The 18-year-old is the youngest player in the top 300. This week, the young Italian is playing at the Next Gen Finals in Milan. He has already caused an upset at the tournament by defeating Francis Tiafoe. Berrettini will be in action at the ATP Finals next week. The 23-year-old will play a group made up of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Dominic Thiem. He will play his first match at the tournament against Djokovic.
Matteo Berrettini’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.8 (career-high), Berrettini played his last match on the 30th of October when he had to surrender to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4 6-3 in the 2nd round in Paris.
This year Berrettini has a 46-21 win-loss record. Matteo clinched 3 titles in 2019 in the Phoenix Challenger, in Budapest and in Stuttgart. Matteo was the finalist in Munich.
Sinner in Milan, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.95, Jannik has a 39-19 win-loss record in 2019. Sinner is now competing in Milan where he toppled Frances Tiafoe 3-44 4-2 4-2 4-2.
Jannik will square off with Humbert in the Round Robin. They have never played each so far on the main tour.
The Italian conquered 2 titles in 2019 in the Bergamo Challenger and in the Lexington Challenger. Sinner was the finalist in the Ostrava Challenger.
Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner have never played each other.
Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner |
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