Davis Cup Finals: Matteo Berrettini sends Italy into pole position for back-to-back glory

Matteo Berrettini has played his role to perfection taking the first match of the Davis Cup Finals 6-4, 6-2 against Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp to give Italy a 1-0 lead in the tie with a certain Jannik Sinner next up attempting to seal the deal.

The main match going into this tie was Berrettini facing Van de Zandschulp due to the variables. The victor has not been at his best this latter part of the season but he has found a way to win on a fast zippy courts that favours his superb serve.

Also after having to sit out last year during the Finals and being there to watch sat on the sidelines injured, he will revel being back out there and performing for his country. The variable was that Van de Zandschulp has led by example too this week. He has been the main anchor for the Dutch team reaching the final.

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But with Tallon Griekspoor next, he has the unenviable task of trying to beat the World No.1 Jannik Sinner who himself has a 5-0 Head to Head lead over the Dutchman. Given the first to two format throughout, it gives little chance for all or nothing ties really especially if one team are stronger than the others and that is the case with Italy.

Can Sinner seal it or will Griekspoor spring what would be a pretty seismic shock to send it to doubles? Stranger things have happened but Berrettini has certainly done his bit. He also maintains a perfect record.

He has won every match from Fonseca in the early group stage to now and also including doubles. He was dubbed Mr Perfect by the Davis Cup social media and has now helped his country potentially over the line. Also great to see after he has endured so much hardship with injuries.

“It feels unbelievable. It feels great to be on court. If you win, it’s obviously better. But being able to be healthy and be here, enjoying this kind of atmosphere is most important for me. Because I missed that. I missed these moments last year. We still have hopefully just one more match to go. But the first step was taken," he said.

“I feel like my level never really left. When you’re struggling physically and mentally, it’s not easy to play your best tennis. But I always had the feeling my level was there. I just had to work hard. That’s what I did this year and that’s why I’m playing pretty good right now.”