Sinner, Berrettini lift Italy past Australia and back to Davis Cup final

Italy’s top-ranked players, Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini, showcased their talent and determination on Saturday in Malaga, Spain, as they led defending champion Italy to a 2-0 victory over Australia in the Davis Cup semifinals.

Sinner continued his impressive streak of 24 consecutive sets won at the tour level by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4. The young Italian’s dominant performance against the world No. 9 player demonstrated his skill and consistency on the court.

Following Sinner’s victory, Berrettini faced a tough challenge against Thanasi Kokkinakis. After dropping the first set in a tiebreaker, Berrettini fought back to claim a hard-fought 6-7 (6), 6-3, 7-5 win, showcasing his resilience and determination under pressure.

With these impressive wins, Italy secured a spot in the Davis Cup final, where they will face first-time finalist Netherlands on Sunday. The Italian team is aiming to make history by becoming the first country to win the Davis Cup title two years in a row since the Czech Republic in 2012 and 2013. Italy’s women’s team also achieved success in Malaga by winning the Billie Jean King Cup earlier in the week.

The passionate support from Italian fans in the arena created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with chants of “I-ta-lia!” and “Ole, ole, ole, ole! Matte’! Matte’!” echoing throughout the stadium. The enthusiastic crowd rallied behind their players, creating a home-like environment for the Italian team.

Berrettini’s victory over Kokkinakis was a thrilling and intense match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The Italian player’s powerful serves and booming forehands were on full display, showcasing his undeniable talent on the court.

Despite facing tough competition, Berrettini remained composed and focused, ultimately securing the win with a strong finish in the final games of the match. His determination and fighting spirit were evident as he overcame challenges and claimed victory for his team.

As Italy prepares to face Netherlands in the Davis Cup final, the team’s strong performances and unwavering support from fans have set the stage for an exciting and competitive showdown. With Sinner and Berrettini leading the way, Italy is poised to make history and cement their legacy as one of the top tennis nations in the world.