When Italy won the Davis Cup last year, Berrettini watched from the sidelines as he recovered from an ankle injury that he sustained at the 2023 US Open.
The problem kept him out of action for six months and saw him drop down the rankings, out of the world’s top 150.
However, he returned to action in March and quickly claimed three titles – the most he has ever won in a calendar year.
Now ranked 35th, Berrettini has been crucial to Italy’s title defence this week, joining Sinner to win the doubles decider against Argentina before winning his semi-final singles match against Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis.
And he replicated his fine form against Van de Zandschulp, producing 10 forehand winners and 16 aces on his way to victory.
“It feels unbelievable, it feels really great to be on court – if you win it’s better, but being able to be healthy, here and enjoying this kind of atmosphere is the most important thing for me, because I missed that,” said Berrettini.
“I missed these moments and that’s why I’m really happy.
