In a recent episode of his podcast “Served With,” former American tennis player Andy Roddick shared his thoughts on the rising talents of Italian tennis, specifically highlighting Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini.
Roddick commended Italy for its recent achievements in tennis, stating, “Congratulations to Italy; the success is not a coincidence and it’s not just Sinner. It’s been an amazing year for Italian tennis.” He pointed out that Italy’s victories in both the men’s Davis Cup and the women’s Billie Jean King Cup underscore the country’s growing prominence in the sport.
The American tennis legend analyzed the strategic developments within Italian tennis. “They have looked for ways to develop players and provided many opportunities while keeping costs manageable for athletes. In the U.S., a player may have to travel far just to participate in a Challenger event. Italy has made the right decisions and investments, positioning itself at the top of world tennis, starting with Sinner and extending to the broader movement,” he explained.
Roddick also noted the increasing popularity of Sinner, whose matches are drawing impressive television ratings. “Children are watching him, and many will choose tennis. In Italy, tennis doesn’t compete with ten other sports like it does in the U.S.; it’s primarily tennis and soccer, so registrations will soar,” he added.
Reflecting on Matteo Berrettini’s contributions to Italy’s recent Davis Cup success, Roddick praised the player’s performance. “Although Berrettini couldn’t play in the 2023 Davis Cup final, this year he won three matches without losing. He has a Queen’s title, reached the Wimbledon final, and was poised to be one of the top contenders before COVID-19 interrupted his momentum. I expect great things from him next year; he is a phenomenal player on hard courts,” Roddick stated.
Berrettini, who was a standout at the recent SuperTennis Awards, expressed his determination to overcome past physical challenges. When asked if he would like to be in Sinner’s position, he humorously replied, “Yes, to discover what it feels like to never make mistakes. Unlike Jannik, I sometimes lose, but I’ve always felt that without fear, I can’t perform well. I’m afraid of it, but I use that fear to push my limits and find motivation.”
Reflecting on the journey to their Davis Cup victory, Berrettini shared his emotional experience: “It was a happy moment. A journey that began in Bologna, even involving players who weren’t in Malaga, reflects the work of the entire team. A year ago, I watched the Davis Cup with the hope of lifting it as a protagonist, and now that dream has come true. There were days when I hated my sport and struggled to find motivation, but I looked inside myself and realized that tennis is what I love most. I hope to continue doing it for as long as possible.”
Related topics
- Djokovic May Face Sinner Alcaraz in Melbourne
- Altug Celikbilek Suffers Brain Hemorrhage
- Why Is Tennis Called the Open
