Mattarella Meets Italy’s Triumphant Tennis Teams

Rome: President Sergio Mattarella on Wednesday received the Italian men’s and women’s tennis teams that triumphed in the 2024 Davis Cup and BJK Cup at the Quirinal Palace in Rome.

According to Ansa News Agency, the head of State also paid his compliments to Italy’s world number one Jannik Sinner, who was not at the ceremony as he is resting after retaining his Australian Open singles title for his third Grand Slam triumph. “The year started well with Sinner’s victory and (Simone) Bolelli and (Andrea) Vavassori in the men’s doubles final of the Australian Open,” Mattarella said.

“It (2024) was a year of great successes. An extraordinary season for Italy.” In addition to helping Italy retain the Davis Cup, Sinner also became Italy’s first-ever singles number one last year, when he won eight titles, including the US and Australian Opens. “Now we await the third Davis Cup victory, although it is not indispensable to have it right away,” Mattarella said.

“This year (2024) victory in the Davis Cup was also happ
ily accompanied by the victory of the Azzurre in the event named after Billie Jean King. I followed both extensively.” Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malagò expressed his regret that Sinner was unable to attend the event.

Italian Tennis Federation (FITP) President Angelo Binaghi emphasized that Sinner, who experienced health issues during one of his matches in Melbourne, had not intended to slight Mattarella. “It wasn’t a slight,” Binaghi said. “Our president is of such a high level that he understood very well what Sinner’s problems are. We chose this date precisely because we thought it was the only possible window (in the calendar), but the number 1 guest couldn’t come.”

“It is clear that I am extremely sorry but let’s not forget what we saw on TV about 10 days ago. The lad’s psycho-physical situation needs the utmost care, his health is a priority.”