Jannik Sinner inspired Italy to the Davis Cup semi-finals with a crucial victory over Argentina, helping the reigning champions maintain their title defense. The world number one kept Italy’s hopes alive after Lorenzo Musetti’s loss, securing a commanding straight-set win over Sebastian Baez, before partnering Matteo Berrettini to win the deciding doubles match.
Sinner’s Key Role in Italy’s Davis Cup Comeback
The 23-year-old then teamed up with Matteo Berrettini to secure a 6-4 7-5 victory in the deciding doubles match against Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez, completing the turnaround in Malaga. This victory sends Italy into a repeat of last year’s title decider against Australia, who defeated the United States 2-1 earlier that day.
Italy’s Bid for a Historic Davis Cup Title Retention
Italy is aiming to become only the sixth nation to retain the Davis Cup since its final stage was introduced 52 years ago and the first since the Czech Republic achieved the feat in 2013. This semifinal marks a crucial opportunity for Italy to keep their championship hopes alive.
Germany’s 2-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday has set up a semi-final match with the Netherlands, who knocked out Spain in what was Rafael Nadal’s final tournament.
Sinner’s Exceptional Form Continues
Sinner is proving to be Italy’s “special one” as he aims to cap off an outstanding individual season by helping Italy retain the Davis Cup. Sinner broke Baez’s serve twice in each set for a straightforward 6-4 6-4 victory. The world number one has had an incredible 2023 season, winning the ATP Finals title and claiming his first two Grand Slam titles. Despite ongoing doping controversy, Sinner’s form has been exceptional, and he continues to deliver in crucial moments for Italy.
World number 30 Francisco Cerundolo delivered a superb performance to give Argentina the perfect start, with a dominant 6-4 6-1 win over 17th-ranked Musetti. Cerundolo closed out the match by winning 12 of the last 15 games after an early break in the first set.
However, Sinner’s return to the court following his singles victory proved crucial. Partnering with Berrettini in the doubles match, Sinner helped Italy secure a vital victory. Initially, established doubles pairing Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori were selected, but captain Filippo Volandri’s decision to choose Sinner and Berrettini paid off.
Australia’s Narrow Win Over the USA
In a thrilling encounter, Australia defeated the United States 2-1, with Thanasi Kokkinakis edging a dramatic third-set tie-break to win 6-1 4-6 7-6 (16-14) in over two hours. Kokkinakis saved four match points during the tie-break, putting Australia ahead and sending them into the semi-finals.
World number four Taylor Fritz then responded for the United States, defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-4 to level the tie. But the deciding doubles match saw Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson complete an efficient 6-4 6-4 win over Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul, securing Australia’s spot in the semi-finals.
Australia’s Davis Cup Success and Hewitt’s Leadership
Australia, the 28-time champions, are now in their third consecutive Davis Cup semi-final. Team captain Lleyton Hewitt, a Davis Cup winner in 2003, expressed pride in the team’s performance. “We’ve got a rich history in this competition,” said Hewitt. “These boys know it’s a great honour every time you get the chance to wear the green and gold out here.”
The Australian team’s cohesion and individual brilliance have made them formidable competitors in the tournament.
Watch the Davis Cup Semi-Finals
Fans can follow all the action of the Davis Cup semi-finals on various platforms, including the official Davis Cup website for updates and match schedules.
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