Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini is in disbelief: “I didn’t expect that”

After his early exit in Tokyo, Matteo Berrettini is smiling again at the Shanghai Masters 1000, where he advanced past the first round by coming from behind to defeat Aleksandar Kovacevic. At the end of the match, however, the Roman’s thoughts immediately turned to Jannik Sinner, who is dealing with yet another setback and the decision to end his season early.

“I didn’t expect this. I know what it means to be injured; I know how mentally tough it is to deal with these moments, and the last thing you want is for someone to ask you when you’re coming back.”

Berrettini’s message was direct; he also mentioned that he had personally written to Sinner to let him know he had the support of the team and the entire tennis world: “I wrote to him that we’re all waiting for him. He’s the best player in the world, he has one of the best support teams in the world behind him, and the best mindset I’ve ever seen in my life, so I’m sure that if he made this decision, it was the right one for him, and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger. We’re all waiting for him; he’s a good friend of mine and a really nice guy. We can’t wait to see him on the court in 2027.”

Berrettini, who is expected to be among Italy’s key players in the Davis Cup in Bologna this November, has meanwhile secured an important victory in Shanghai. After losing the first set, the Roman player showed grit and completed the comeback: “I’m very happy with how I reacted after losing the first set. I kept playing, and I’m really proud.”