Berrettini on Sinner: "I'm certain Jannik will return to the level he had before his suspension"
This Tuesday, Matteo Berrettini defeated world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 (2-6, 6-3, 7-5). A victory that highlights the German's current struggles while also confirming the Italian's renewed confidence, following his recent wins over Novak Djokovic in Doha and his quarterfinal run at the Miami Masters 1000.
After his triumph, Berrettini analyzed his prestigious win against Zverev and also spoke about Jannik Sinner. For context, Sinner, currently absent from the tour until May, is now guaranteed to retain his world No. 1 ranking until his return next month at the Rome tournament, thanks to Berrettini's result on the Monaco clay.
"I had to give my best, especially mentally, and I tried to impose myself in this battle. In the third set, I got a bit frustrated when I lost my serve at 5-4. I made some unusual mistakes in that tenth game, and I could have beaten myself up over it, but I did well to stay in the fight and regain the lead.
I was playing better than Zverev, and I felt the crowd's full support—in Monte-Carlo, there’s always a special atmosphere when Italians play, and today, without a doubt, my compatriots gave me the energy to win the third set.
Zverev started very strong, he was aggressive from the first game. When he saw me raising my level, he eased off for a moment, and that’s when I realized I could do something.
Tennis, as you know, is a mental game. You can lose to the world No. 2, but you have to do it while giving your absolute best.
I changed my rhythm after the first set, putting more on my serve and forehand, while on the backhand, I hit with more conviction. I forced myself to stay closer to the baseline and step in when possible. That’s how I built my success," he explained before discussing Sinner.
"I’m certain Jannik will return to the level he had before his suspension. He knows he can count on me—I think he’s handling this situation in the best way possible, and I’m happy to have helped him (by keeping him as world No. 1 until May at least).
We last spoke a few weeks ago—there’s always been great mutual respect between us. Right now, though, I think it’s best to let him stay in his bubble," Berrettini told Super Tennis in recent hours.
