In a thrilling Davis Cup finale, Matteo Berrettini's resilient win over Botic van de Zandschulp set the stage for Italy's quest for back-to-back titles, highlighting the nation's remarkable resurgence in tennis.
In the thrilling finale of the Davis Cup held in Málaga, Matteo Berrettini of Italy secured a vital opening victory against Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands, giving his team a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three final. His decisive 6-4, 6-2 triumph demonstrated resilience, strength, and a remarkable ability to perform under pressure, paving the way for world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to potentially clinch the title.
Berrettini's path to victory was far from straightforward in the beginning. Facing van de Zandschulp—a player who had made headlines this year by defeating Rafael Nadal in what turned out to be the Spaniard’s final match—Berrettini seemed a bit on edge. The weight of fatigue, combined with the pressure of competing for national pride, appeared to burden the former Wimbledon finalist. He committed unusual errors, frequently adjusting his cap and standing with his hands on his hips in frustration, mirroring a player struggling to find his rhythm on the court.
The Dutch player, currently ranked 80th and fresh off a significant upset over Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, appeared calm during the initial exchanges. His demeanor showed no indication of pressure, as he engaged confidently in baseline rallies with Berrettini. Nevertheless, tennis is frequently influenced by momentum, and at 4-4 in the first set, the Italian took advantage of his opportunity.
A misstep in van de Zandschulp’s service game created an opportunity, which Berrettini seized with a break at love, showcasing his aggressive returns and precise shot-making. As the crowd—mainly Italian—erupted in cheers, Berrettini's confidence clearly soared. Passing by the shining Davis Cup trophy on his way to the bench, he raised a fist in determination, signaling a change in the momentum of the match.
From that point forward, Berrettini became a force to be reckoned with. The second set started with van de Zandschulp stumbling once again, even after establishing a 40-love advantage in a service game that ultimately fell apart due to a double fault. Berrettini took advantage of this, commanding the match with his powerful serve and forehand duo. The Dutch player, who had displayed moments of brilliance throughout the season, was unable to match the Italian's intensity or accuracy at crucial junctures.
Berrettini, who has faced a challenging year marked by injuries and missed participation in two of the four Grand Slam tournaments, showcased to the tennis community why he once achieved a career-high ranking of No. 6. His winning streak in the Davis Cup has now reached eight matches in a row, highlighting his determination and ability to perform under pressure. As he approached victory, Berrettini emphatically closed the match with an ace registered at 124 mph (200 kph) followed by a service winner at 132 mph (213 kph), culminating in a flawless finish.
As Berrettini exited the court to a warm round of applause, attention turned to Jannik Sinner, who had established himself as a dominant force throughout 2024. With eight titles under his belt, including victories at both the Australian Open and U.S. Open, and an impressive record of 72 wins to 6 losses for the year, Sinner embodies the present and future of Italian tennis.
His recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable—he has achieved 13 consecutive wins at the tour level without losing a single set, a stunning streak that showcases his exceptional accuracy and mental resilience. Now, he faces Tallon Griekspoor, who is ranked 40th and is preparing for the formidable challenge of trying to preserve the Netherlands’ Davis Cup aspirations.
Although the Netherlands is making its debut in the Davis Cup final this year and has already etched its name in history, Italy is clearly favored to win. Should they succeed, Italy would be the first team to achieve back-to-back Davis Cup titles since the Czech Republic in 2012-2013. This potential accomplishment comes just days after Italy’s women’s team triumphed in the Billie Jean King Cup, further solidifying the nation’s emergence as a formidable contender in the tennis world.
Berrettini’s victory embodies the essence of the Davis Cup, where individual excellence is enhanced by a shared vision. His capacity to navigate a difficult beginning and perform under pressure showcases the strength and determination of Italian tennis.
As Jannik Sinner gets ready to step into the spotlight, Italy is on the verge of a monumental achievement. For a nation experiencing a resurgence in its tennis legacy, this Davis Cup journey transcends the mere pursuit of trophies—it symbolizes the emergence of a golden age in Italian tennis, fueled by passion, skill, and unwavering resolve.
