Matteo Berrettini, the renowned Italian tennis player, has recently shed light on the often overlooked and demanding aspects of being a professional athlete, specifically the rigors of routine doping checks. The former world number 6, who has become a seasoned stalwart on the ATP tour, exposed this less glamorous side of the sport during an episode of the ‘Tintoria’ podcast.
The daily life of a professional tennis player, Berrettini pointed out, is far from straightforward. It involves not only constant travel throughout the year but also the obligation to keep the authorities informed about their exact location. This is a requirement for carrying out necessary checks and controls, a protocol that can be stressful and disruptive to their routines.
Berrettini, a 28-year-old Rome native who made it to the Wimbledon Championships final four years ago, gave a candid account of the difficulties surrounding doping tests. He described an early morning wakeup call for a check, emphasizing the constant need to update an app with his current location. He further highlighted the rigour of the process, noting that officials observe the urine test to prevent any possible deceit.
In the midst of this discussion, the Italian tennis star shared an unusual incident from his personal experiences. He had just landed in China, still disoriented from the time difference, when he was immediately summoned for a doping test. To his misfortune, the glass containing his urine sample fell, creating a chaotic situation. However, Berrettini managed to salvage the situation, joking that he had enough urine to refill the glass.
On a more positive note, Berrettini’s career is on an upward trajectory, with recent successes propelling him back into the ATP’s Top 30. His performances in the past month, reaching the quarterfinals in both Doha and Dubai, have been particularly noteworthy.
However, he expressed disappointment over his performance in Indian Wells, the first Masters 1000 of the season, where he was ousted by Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round. Despite pushing Tsitsipas to the third set in Dubai, Berrettini acknowledged the clarity of Tsitsipas’ victory in California, attributing it, in part, to the slow playing conditions.
This candid and enlightening discussion with Berrettini not only highlights the demanding routine of professional athletes but also opens a window into the life and mindset of one of tennis’ top players as he navigates the highs and lows of his career.