The title in Serbia relaunches the n.10 to the world: “I realized I was a fighter by training with Jannik. The comic book distracted me from bad thoughts, now you invite me to broadcast”
@fedecocchi
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Victory that heals, that clears the head of bad thoughts and puts priorities back in order. Matteo Berrettini raised his fourth career trophy after an intense match and fought against Aslan Karatsev, one who in the semifinal had sent Novak Djokovic home from “his” tournament. A joy after the injury at the beginning of the season, at the Australian Open, when he was launched towards the second round against Stefanos Tsitsipas: tearing his abdominals, a condemnation for someone like him who throws bombs in the service. After the award ceremony, on the phone from Belgrade, the number 10 in the world reveals all the meanings of this restart, which has a special flavor.
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Matteo, a title that puts things right, a bit like saying: “I’m still here and I’m the Italian number 1”. How much did he feel the need?
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“Maybe it was more others who felt the need. I am top 10 because I deserved it, nothing was given to me, what I did I conquered with work, sweat and patience. I didn’t need confirmation on the ranking, but rather on the ability to be strong and overcome difficulties. And I had them: I’m a real fighter. “
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This is a victory that will remain in your memory because…?
“Because it was the first trophy my parents saw me raise. Dad was there when I lost the final, in Munich, Mom had never come. This was the perfect opportunity. I proudly dedicate this victory to them because they have supported me every day since I was born ”.
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While she was stopped in the pits, all the media attention was for Sinner and Musetti. Did it bother you?
“And why? I’m happy for them because they are doing incredible things. They grow fast and it’s positive for all of Italian tennis. Jannik has improved a lot, I noticed it especially by training with him for three days before coming here”.
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What relationship do you have: friends or rivals?
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“Jannik is a very nice guy, easygoing and polite. We live in Monte Carlo in the same place and we like training together. They are intense exchanges because none of us want to lose, even if it wasn’t a real match. We push ourselves to the limit. I think we will continue to train and even more frequently ”.
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If these are the results, so be it. But what did she learn from him, or what do you think Sinner can learn from her?
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“We are different players, he has a great desire to improve and a spirit of sacrifice. He always plays well and consequently makes me play well too. I think this is the most important thing for both of us ”.
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It would be nice if you could train together in Turin too …
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“Why is there in Turin? Gianduiotti, Juve, Toro, Sonego… “.
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“Ah, right. Well well, let’s see. One thing at a time, let me enjoy this trophy ”.
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The ko at the debut in Monte Carlo had aroused some concern. What has changed since then?
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“It was a very painful defeat. It left me after a while and I struggled for a while, especially mentally. I had to put away the anger and disappointment. I worked a lot with the mental coach, Stefano Massari, to overcome my intolerance towards mistakes. I find it a little hard to forgive myself when I’m wrong, but my team has been extraordinary and we have overcome the difficulties. As often happens to me, after a moment of suffering I leave with more strength ”.
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Doctor Cotorro, Nadal’s medical historian, who was also victorious yesterday, took care of the injury. He put you back right.
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“Yes, unfortunately Rafa and I have this bad habit of getting hurt. From Australia we returned together, on the same flight. He looked like an airplane-hospital: me with the abdominal injury, he with a bruised back. A high altitude infirmary ”.
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Do you love books, is there anything you read during sleep that helped you get over your frustration?
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“The truth? I read it all in one breath The book was better, by Valerio Lundini. For me he is a genius of comedy. It made me detach the thought from the negativity, it was regenerating. It would be nice to be a guest on his show A piece of Lundini… “. Do you understand Valerio? Matteo expects a call.
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April 26, 2021 (change April 26, 2021 | 07:52 am)
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