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,” he continued.
“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…,” Mattarella said.
“The [2024] victory in the Davis Cup was also happily accompanied by the victory of the Azzurre in the event named after Billie Jean King.
“I followed both extensively.”
Italian Olympic Committee President Giovanni Malagò said he was “sorry” that Sinner had failed to make the event.
Italian Tennis Federation President Angelo Binaghi stressed that Sinner, who suffered a bad turn in one of his matches in Melbourne, had not snubbed 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.”
ANSA
