ROME (ITALPRESS) – “I am truly delighted, welcome to the Quirinal. It was an extraordinary season with the Davis victory won for the second year in a row. The cup is three-tiered, so we expect a third victory, but it is not essential right away….” This was stated with a smile by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella addressing Federtennis President Angelo Binaghi in his speech at the celebration of the Italian national women’s and men’s tennis teams winning the BJK Cup and Davis Cup. “This year Davis is happily accompanied by the women’s cup, an extraordinary success,” the Head of State continued, “I have followed both events attentively and constantly, congratulations indeed. They are two extraordinary successes, but not unique: the Olympics were an exceptional moment with Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini’s gold in doubles and Lorenzo Musetti’s bronze in singles. And this new year started well with Sinner’s victory at the Australian Open, the second consecutive one. Congratulations.” “You have been exceptional,” Mattarella said addressing the athletes, “you have placed Italian tennis at the top of the world and at the highest level of popularity and practice in our country: this bodes well for the future and for the new recruits. Never would we have hoped to reach these results: for this I want to thank you individually. I hope that this habit will be repeated over time.” “Thank you Mr. President. We are proud to celebrate together the Italy that wins, that sends positive messages, that honors our flag and makes the Mameli Anthem ring out in the world,” said Coni President Giovanni Malagò. “This time we have not only the Brothers of Italy but also the Sisters of Italy. We are proud to celebrate a fantastic and unprecedented one-two achieved by Italian tennis,” continued the number one of Italian sports, “Italy has now become a leading nation in this sport. Congratulations must be given to the federation and President Binaghi.” “These victories are even more important, they are because tennis is more important, popular and practiced than before. With our leaders we have clear ideas, we think we can make Italian tennis grow and it is our contribution for a better country – the words of Fitp president Angelo Binaghi, who then addressed Mattarella – We are missing one big dream, in May together with Sport and Health we will organize a memorable edition of the Internazionali d’Italia. It would be wonderful to experience this great emotion alongside her.” “It is an honor and a privilege to be at the Quirinale and it is a pride to be here together with the Italy of men’s tennis. We have shared extraordinary goals, and it is a historic moment for our sport. These successes are a testament to what can be achieved with passion and perseverance: this is what tennis has taught us, and we promise to give everything. It is a day we will always carry in our hearts,” Jasmine Paolini assured. “For me it’s a great emotion, last year I was here in a slightly different capacity and thanks to these boys and girls I got the inspiration to come back and bring home this great cup,” noted Matteo Berrettini. “There are so many emotions running through my head but the biggest one is happiness. It is the sport I have always loved and thanks to the family I came out of a difficult time of injuries. The most important thing is to bring joy and excitement to the homes of people who watch tennis. Davis is a long competition, but we are lucky to have a very competitive team, in particular there is a guy from Alto Adige who has helped us a little bit…,” the Roman tennis player jokingly concluded, referring to Jannik Sinner, who was absent today after his efforts for an encore triumph at the Australian Open.- Photo Image -(ITALPRESS)
