ATP Cup: Berrettini wants to go one step further than 2021
After the cancellations of Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev and Aslan Karatsev, Italy will be the nominally probably strongest team at the ATP Cup. Matteo Berrettini has announced the title as a goal.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Jan 01, 2022, 06:44 am
Three wins, but one defeat in the final against Daniil Medvedev: The ATP Cup 2021 gave Matteo Berrettini a satisfactory, but not a perfect start to the season. A little less than twelve months later, Berrettini would like to take revenge on Medvedev on the one hand (thanks to the draw, this is already possible in the group stage). And lead his team, which also includes Jannik Sinner, Lorenzo Sonego and Simone Bolelli, to the title.
The chances are very good: Because the big favorite and defending champion Russia has to compete with a rump team after the cancellations by Andrey Rublev, Aslan Karatsev and Evgeny Donskoy due to positive corona cases. So one can almost assume that Matteo Berrettini will face the reigning US Open champion Medvedev with a 1-0 lead in his back.
Berrettini opened against de Minaur
In addition to the meeting at the ATP Cup in early 2021 (then in Melbourne), Berrettini first played against Medvedev. The Russian was also the winner in Indian Wells in 2018. No wonder the Italian is impressed by the Russian number one. “He moves very well, serves and returns well. I mean, if he plays well, he doesn't make any mistakes at all. Especially on hard court, he and Novak are the best players we have at the moment. "
At the start, the Italians are waiting for the Australian hosts, who only got into the field thanks to a wildcard. Berrettini starts against Alex de Minaur, also a man who usually gives little to his opponents.
"Alex is a very difficult opponent, especially here in Sydney in his home country," said Berrettini. “I think the atmosphere here will encourage him to play his best tennis.” Berrettini only played once against de Minaur - and last summer he safely won at the Queen's Club in London.
rosewallarena