Berrettini, after much thought has found a way to make it up to you: at this point, no one expected it anymore.
Matteo Berrettini was a great gentleman. He could have spilled the beans and satisfied the curiosity of all his supporters, but he decided not to. Partly to avoid controversy, partly not to disrespect a man who, no matter what, has written a beautiful page of Italian tennis history.
Let’s talk about Nicola Pietrangeli, for those who haven’t figured it out. The former Italian champion, who when he is in the mood for controversy spares no one, had raised a great deal of fuss last November. Invited to the SuperTennis gala, by the time he took the stage and shook hands with the heroes of the 2023 Davis Cup he had done it big. He had greeted Jannik Sinner and lingered, instead, in the presence of Matteo Berrettini. The Roman, as will be remembered, had not played in Malaga. He had still flown to Spain, however, to lend a hand to his teammates and offer them some moral support.
Pietrangeli had given the impression, however, that he did not fully understand, or at any rate did not share, the reason for Berrettini’s presence on that stage. He had said something to him, and Matteo had even been hurt by it. Only it was never known, precisely, what words actually came out of his mouth. The Roman, for his part, has never come clean about it.
Berrettini, justice is done: ready to forgive
The most credited hypothesis is that Pietrangeli expressed his displeasure and asked Berrettini what he was doing there. Remarking, therefore, that he did not deserve to be on that stage, in light of the fact that he had not played in Malaga.
Beyond everything, credit must be given to the former champion for making up for it. Pietrangeli was also there a few days ago at the Quirinale at the “party” Mattarella wanted to organize to pay tribute to the tennis players who won the Davis Cup last year. Before entering, the 90-year-old from Tunis was interviewed and found a way to correct his point.
“If Berrettini returns to playing at his level-these are his words-there is no more for anyone.” A short and concise sentence that, we are sure, will have pleased the person concerned very much. Who, at this point, might even decide to “forgive” him for that little mischief…
