Carlos Bernardes officiated his last match between Botic van de Zandschulp and Matteo Berrettini (Image: Tennis Channel)
Matteo Berrettini showed his class with a heartfelt gesture after putting Italy ahead in Sunday’s Davis Cup final. The world No. 35 beat Botic van de Zandschulp to give his nation the lead over the Netherlands.
Their match was also a significant one – it was renowned umpire Carlos Bernardes’ last time in the chair. The Brazilian officially entered retirement when Berrettini sealed a 6-4 6-2 victory.
Before he went to celebrate with his team, the Italian gave Bernardes a warm send-off as they shook hands for the final time.
There have been plenty of high-profile retirements at this week’s Davis Cup Finals. said farewell on Tuesday after
Dutch doubles star Wesley Koolhof will also bow out after Sunday’s final against Italy. But another prominant figure in the tennis world has also enjoyed his last outing on the match court – Bernardes.
The Brazilian’s 40-year officiating career has come to an end as he sat in the chair for his last match between Berrettini and Van de Zandschulp. It was the first rubber of the championship tie at the Davis Cup.
Former finalist Berrettini came out on top to give Italy a 1-0 points lead. And he knew what an occasion it was for Bernardes, who got to take a photo with the players before the match.
Matteo Berrettini shared a touching moment with Carlos Bernardes as the umpire entered retirement (Image: Tennis Channel)
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As soon as the final point was played, the Italian and Dutch team captains walked over to the umpire to shake his hand. And Berrettini quickly joined them after meeting his rival at the net.
The 10-time title winner held onto Bernardes’ hand and wished him well, tapping his leg as the umpire gave him a thumbs up. Berrettini isn’t the only player who has made the effort to recognise the Brazilian official ahead of his retirement.
At last week’s ATP Finals – Bernardes’ last ATP tournament – Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic . “Carlos, it was a pleasure having you. I’m going to miss you,” Arevalo said.
Bernardes was then in the chair for the singles final between and . After lifting the trophy, world No. 1 Sinner during his victory speech.
“Just a quick word to Carlos. I don’t see him. Ah, here he is,” he started, looking for Bernardes in the crowd.
“Carlos, 40 years of umpiring. Amazing, amazing career. I think you might be still in Davis Cup, I heard. But me and Taylor, we felt very privileged to be part of your last ATP journey so thank you so much, thank you.”
Bernardes had also been honoured during the trophy presentation, as ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi handed him a commemorative photo frame. Other tournaments, including the US Open and Barcelona Open, have held ceremonies for the official this year.
The 60-year-old became an full-time ATP umpire in 1992 and has been in the chair for several high-profile matches. He officiated multiple Grand Slam finals including the championship match in 2011. Bernardes has also worked five Olympic Games. This is his first – and last – Davis Cup Finals.
He contemplated retirement for several years before deciding to step down at the end of 2024. Ahead of his farewell, he told the : “I didn’t come from a rich family… and after all this time, to realise I’ve visited over 100 different countries, met people from simple people to presidents, it doesn’t feel like real life. The passion for the sport is one of the things that’s kept me going.”