There is no doubt that Italian men’s tennis is on the rise and Matteo Berretini is hoping his team will be able to prove this at the upcoming ATP Cup.
The country currently boasts eight players in the world’s top 100 which is headed by world No.7 Berrettini. In recent years they have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with thanks to the rise of rising stars such as Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. On the ATP Tour this year Italy won a total of 7 titles which is the joint-highest alongside Russia.
Keen to continue their success in 2022, Berrettini has proclaimed that his team for the ATP Cup is stronger than before. Also in the team is world No.10 Sinner, former top 10 player Fabio Fognini, Lorenzo Sonego and Simone Bolelli.
“We feel happy to be here,” atptour.com quoted Berrettini as saying during Italy’s pre-tournament press conference. “I think it’s possible [to win the title], the team is even stronger this year, so for sure our aim is to win the title. We know it’s going to be a tough job. Every match is going to be difficult, but we believe that we can do it.”
Italy has been drawn in a tough Group with only the winner progressing to the knockout stages. Over the coming week they will take on hosts Australia, France and reigning champions Russia. Russia will be led by Daniil Medvedev, who is the highest ranked player participating in the event. However, the country has suffered a blow recently following a series of positive COVID-19 tests among their players.
“He is really solid,” Berrettini said of Medvedev. “He’s moving really well, playing deep, serving well, returning. I mean, he’s not missing at all when he’s playing well. So especially on hard court he’s probably together with Novak (Djokovic), the best player we have now. He’s really tricky to play.”
The two are set to clash on Thursday which will be a chance for Berrettini to avenge his loss to the world No.2 at the same tournament 12 months ago. Whilst Russia’s favourite status has weakened due to the loss of Andrey Rublev and Aslan Karatsev, Medvedev is relishing the challenge he faces.
“I like this kind of pressure. It makes you play better. I think it’s going to make all of us four guys just play the best tennis that we can.” He said.
As for Italy’s No.2 player, Sinner, he says he is ‘honoured’ to be playing in the Group. The 20-year-old has already won five Tour titles in his career and is currently the youngest player in the top 30 at 10.
“It’s a big honour to play in this special group,” Sinner stated. “We have an incredible team. Every one of us tries to do our best. I’m looking forward to trying to be 1-0 up every time we play. And then let’s see. We have an incredible second player, and we have great, great doubles, as well.”
The ATP Cup will begin on New Year’s Day. Italy’s first match will be against Australia on Sunday. Each tie consists of two singles matches and one doubles.
