MALAGA — In the euphoric aftermath of Italy’s triumphant Davis Cup victory, a story of immense personal pressure and professional dedication has emerged, casting a shadow over what should have been an unblemished celebration for one of its key players, Matteo Berrettini.
While his teammate Jannik Sinner was etching his name into Italian sporting folklore with a stunning singles win over Novak Djokovic and a decisive victory in the doubles, Berrettini was enduring a profoundly stressful and unexpected ordeal: a lengthy and intrusive out-of-competition doping control.
The test, which began just as the final tie against Australia was reaching its climax, meant Berrettini was isolated and unable to join his teammates on the bench, forced to witness Sinner’s historic heroics from a separate room while complying with the strict protocols of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
A Triumph Overshadowed by Procedure
The 2023 Davis Cup finals in Malaga were supposed to be Berrettini’s grand return to the national stage. After a season marred by a serious ankle injury and a bout of illness, his presence was seen as a vital boost for the Italian squad, bringing experience and formidable firepower. He had fought his way back to fitness, and his passion for the team competition was palpable.
However, on the day of the final, his role shifted from potential on-court contributor to a spectator entangled in bureaucracy. The timing of the test, administered by the ITIA, could not have been more emotionally challenging. As Berrettini later revealed on social media, the experience was far from routine.
"While the whole team was on the bench, I was stuck in a room for a 'stressful' out-of-competition anti-doping test," Berrettini wrote. "I couldn't even go to the bathroom without permission."
He described the surreal and frustrating experience of watching his teammates, including his close friend Sinner, clinch Italy's first Davis Cup title in 47 years on a television screen, separated from the collective joy and unable to offer direct support. The psychological toll of being isolated during such a pivotal moment for his nation and his career was significant.
The Mechanics of an Out-of-Competition Test
For those unfamiliar with the process, an out-of-competition test is a cornerstone of modern anti-doping efforts, designed to catch athletes who might use prohibited substances during training periods. Unlike in-competition tests, which occur at events, these can be conducted anywhere, at any time, with little to no advance notice.
The procedure is notoriously rigorous to prevent any possibility of tampering. From the moment an athlete is notified, they must remain under the constant supervision of a doping control officer (DCO) until a sample is provided. The key steps Berrettini would have had to follow include:
- Immediate Notification: The athlete is located and informed they have been selected for testing.
- Constant Supervision: The athlete must stay within direct eyesight of the DCO at all times.
- Sample Provision: The athlete must provide a urine sample, often under challenging conditions.
- Documentation and Sealing: The sample is carefully documented, split into A and B bottles, and sealed.
This process, while essential for the integrity of sport, can take hours. For an athlete already riding a wave of adrenaline and emotion on the day of a world championship final, the psychological impact is immense, transforming a moment of supreme celebration into one of clinical procedure and isolation.
Sinner's Heroics and Team Italia's Elation
While Berrettini was occupied, Jannik Sinner was producing one of the most remarkable individual performances in recent Davis Cup history. First, he saved three match points to defeat the world number one, Novak Djokovic, in a stunning three-set thriller, ending the Serbian's unbeaten run in Davis Cup singles that stretched back to 2011.
Then, in the decisive doubles rubber, Sinner partnered with Lorenzo Sonego to overcome the Australian duo of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson, securing the final point that delivered the coveted trophy to Italy. The scenes of unbridled joy from the rest of the Italian team on the bench stood in stark contrast to Berrettini's solitary vigil.
Team captain Filippo Volandri praised his entire squad, but reserved special acclaim for Sinner, stating, "Jannik has shown he is a champion not just in skill, but in heart. He carried the team today."
A Bittersweet Celebration
When Berrettini was finally released from the testing protocol, he rushed to the court to join his teammates. Photographs from the celebration show him hoisting the trophy, a broad smile on his face, but his social media post confirms the complex emotions beneath the surface.
"I finally managed to get onto the pitch and celebrate with the guys, but I have to be honest, it wasn't easy... I felt a mix of incredible happiness for the victory and a personal frustration I can't describe."
His experience highlights a rarely discussed aspect of elite sport: the immense personal sacrifices and pressures that occur away from the public eye, even at the moment of greatest triumph. Teammates expressed their sympathy, understanding the unique hardship he had endured.
The Broader Context of Anti-Doping in Tennis
The ITIA, which oversees the anti-doping program for professional tennis, operates under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. Its mission is to protect the integrity of the sport, and testing on the day of a major final, while uncommon, is within its rights and part of its strategy to ensure a level playing field.
An ITIA spokesperson, when questioned about the timing of tests, reiterated the organization's mandate: "Our testing program is intelligence-led and risk-based, designed to be both effective and proportionate. The timing of sample collection is determined by operational requirements."
However, Berrettini's ordeal has sparked a conversation among players and fans about the human element of these procedures. While universally supporting clean sport, many are questioning whether the protocol could be applied with more flexibility on days of unique significance, such as a team championship final.
Conclusion: A Victory Forged in Adversity
Italy's 2023 Davis Cup victory will rightly be remembered for Jannik Sinner's breathtaking performance, which announced his arrival as a true leader in the sport. It will be remembered for the tactical acumen of captain Volandri and the solid contributions of the entire team.
But woven into the fabric of this triumph is the story of Matteo Berrettini's silent struggle. His "stressful" doping test serves as a poignant reminder that the path to glory is often paved with unseen challenges and personal sacrifices.
In the end, Berrettini’s ordeal did not diminish the victory; if anything, it underscored the depth of his commitment. He submitted to the process for the sake of the sport's integrity, sacrificing his own moment of immediate celebration for the bigger picture. His willingness to speak openly about the experience provides a valuable, humanizing look at the realities faced by the world's best athletes, proving that sometimes, the toughest battles are fought not on the court, but in a quiet room just off it.