"Jannik and Lorenzo are a huge inspiration": Matteo Berrettini on Italy's unity without Sinner and Musetti

Matteo Berrettini has spent the last few seasons battling his own body, fighting to return to the elite level where he belongs. However, the recent Davis Cup campaign offered something different than the solitary grind of the ATP Tour: a collective purpose. Stepping onto the court to represent Italy, "The Hammer" wasn't just playing for himself; he was playing to move his nation one step closer to history.

Much like in the 2024 edition, the former Wimbledon runner-up proved pivotal. On the path from the quarterfinals, both Berrettini and Cobolli secured three consecutive victories, meaning Italy never needed to play a deciding doubles match in their ties against Austria, Belgium, or Spain.

Italy is currently experiencing a tennis renaissance, led by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and a surging Lorenzo Musetti – both of whom were absent during this year's Davis Cup Finals. For a former top-10 player like Berrettini, it would be easy to feel overshadowed by the new generation. Instead, he views this abundance of talent as a collective weapon.

He emphasizes that the Italian national team is not just the players selected for the tie, but a massive ecosystem of talent pushing each other to new heights every single day.

In a sport defined by individual ego, Berrettini highlights the remarkable humility within the Italian squad. Rather than viewing the rise of his compatriots as a threat to his own status, he embraces their success as a driving force for his own rehabilitation and return to form.

"Jannik (Sinner) and Lorenzo (Musetti) are still there; they have been close to us every day and are a huge source of inspiration for everyone,” Berrettini commented in a recent interview with Sportweek. “We are a huge group, whether called up or not. We are taking tennis to an incredible level, both in results and in the affection we receive and in what children develop in relation to tennis."

The unity extends beyond the locker room. Berrettini finds his deepest satisfaction in the tangible impact this group is having on Italian culture. The joy of the victory is compounded by the knowledge that he is a protagonist in a movement that is reshaping the sporting landscape of his country. "The best thing is to inspire someone to believe in a dream, and since I was part of that, it fills me with joy."

The Davis Cup format is unique in its ability to generate pressure, but Berrettini has learned to transmute that weight into fuel. He describes the ritual of the pre-match anthem not as a formality, but as an emotional anchor that helps him navigate the inevitable struggles during a match.

"I am very happy with this victory. Beyond my performance and how I felt, the most beautiful moment was feeling the warmth of the public and sharing those emotions. Singing the national anthem is always an exciting moment, and I took advantage of that energy to overcome the most difficult moments, when I felt I had an opportunity but couldn't take advantage of it."

Despite his crucial role in this campaign, Berrettini takes nothing for granted regarding his future participation. He views the national team shirt not as a right, but as a privilege that must be earned repeatedly. His focus is now squarely on maintaining his physical health and form to ensure he remains a vital part of this historic team. "If I have the opportunity and the merit to be there next year, I will try again. The enthusiasm of the fans is really exceptional, and it would be wonderful to experience that atmosphere again."