Sinner Seizes The Spotlight, Leads Italy Into Davis Cup Final 8 Semis

Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner
Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner (photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images for ITF)

MALAGA/WASHINGTON, November 22, 2024 (by Michael Dickens)

Italy knows a thing or two about winning Davis Cup ties by a 2-1 score. During the Finals group stage at Bologna in September, the Italians defeated Brazil, Belgium and the Netherlands – all by 2-1 scores – to win their group and advance to this week’s Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga.

On Thursday evening, defending Davis Cup champion Italy went the distance, again, to overcome Argentina 2-1 after trailing 1-0. The victory in the quarterfinal tie advanced the Azzurri to Saturday’s semifinal round against Australia, which edged the United States 2-1 earlier in the day.

The Italians got the maximum effort out of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Not only did he easily win his point in singles with a straight-set victory. He also was a late substitution in the deciding doubles match, where he teamed with Matteo Berrettini – replacing No. 5-ranked nominated pair Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli – to clinch the tie over Argentina with a 6-4, 7-5 triumph against No. 10-ranked Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.

The Italian duo combined for seven aces, won 90 percent of their first-serve points, hit 20 winners – including an overhead smash by Sinner on match point – saved all five break points they faced and outpointed their opponents 69-49.

“They made an unbelievable doubles [team], especially Matteo,” Italy’s team captain Filippo Volandri said of his ad-hoc doubles team during an on-court interview. “I have to be really proud of all of these guys; all the guys who played, and those who didn’t play. We have an unbelievable team. We know how to manage as a team and we did it.”

At the start of the evening, Argentina grabbed an early 1-0 lead after No. 30 Francisco Cerundolo upset 17th-ranked Lorenzo Musetti, 6-4, 6-1, in an hour and 30 minutes. The Argentine No. 2 hit three aces and added 15 additional winners. He converted six of 13 break points and benefited from 26 forced and 22 unforced errors by Musetti. Cerundolo outpointed his opponent 68-47.

“I played one of the best matches of the year, for sure,” Cerundolo said during his on-court interview. “At the beginning, I was a bit nervous. I knew I had to win. It’s a tie that’s going to be super close. They have super players.”

According to pundits, although Cerundolo is arguably Argentina’s best indoor hard-court player, it was thought that team captain Guillermo Coria made the decision to put Sebastian Baez against Sinner in the second singles match in order that Cerundolo could play in the opening singles match.

Despite five service breaks in the first set alone – three for Cerundolo and two for Musetti – it was the Argentine who came out ahead. Cerundolo went on to raise the level of his game in the second set and fed off the energy that came from the raucous Argentina fans, who helped fill Martín Carpena Arena.

“Lorenzo is an amazing player. I knew I had to play my best,” Cerundolo admitted. “After [being] 2-0 down, I think I played well. …

“I did it for my team and because now we have a chance to win.”

Not so fast, as Sinner dominated No. 27 Baez to get Italy back on track in the next match. The South Tyrolean won 6-2, 6-1 in 61 minutes to level matters with Argentina. It was a comprehensive triumph for the top player in the world, who closed out the victory with a third-shot forehand winner. Sinner has now won 12 straight matches and 22 consecutive sets going back to the ATP Tour season at the Shanghai Masters.

Sinner struck seven aces and hit 10 additional winners; won 71 percent of his first-serve points and saved all four break points he faced. He converted four of nine break points and outpointed Baez 67-40.

Afterward, during his brief on-court interview, Sinner was asked to describe his performance in a must-win situation. “Yeah, it was a must-win match. It’s very different conditions; the court is very fast and tough to play,” he said. “I haven’t had much time to adapt to the conditions, but I’m happy about today. Most important was to keep Italy alive and now we have doubles. Anything can happen.

“It’s nice to come back to this beautiful stadium. Last year, we had great memories. Let’s see what’s coming.”

Sinner was asked to describe the difference in his mindset, going from an individual competition – such as the ATP Finals last week – to a team competition this week. “The last part of the year is always very tough,” he said. “It’s nice to have your teammates to push you through. This is the last step of the season. So, it’s nice to have team competition.”

After partnering with Berrettini to win the deciding doubles point, Sinner complimented his teammate during their on-court interview. “Matteo played unbelievable, he carried me today,” he said. “I’m very happy about his performance, about my performance and to be in the semifinals.

“We have some very good choices to put on the court. We have one unbelievable doubles team. Everything can happen in doubles,” Sinner added. “I felt physically ready. Obviously, I’m here to do the best that I can in singles, and if they put me on the court in doubles, I also try my best.

“In this team competition, we are good friends. We try to make our country happy, showing up here. It means so much to us.”

For Italy, its 2-1 victory over Argentina moved them one step closer to successfully defending their Davis Cup crown. For Sinner, there would be nothing better than adding another title to his growing collection, which already includes winning two Grand Slam trophies – at the Australian Open and US Open, plus the title last weekend at the ATP Finals in Turin – and doing it with friends, in what has already been a very successful 2024 season.

By the numbers

Italy has been crowned Davis Cup champions twice, in 1976 and last year. The Italians have finished runner-up six other times.

“Quotable …”

“It’s a special feeling when you step on the court. I enjoy playing with the best guy in the world, the best player in the world [in Jannik Sinner]. It’s a great big honor to be part of the team. It’s not an easy choice for the captain. They are so many good players. I had to work really hard to get a spot [on the team]. I’m really proud of myself, everything I’ve been through. These guys make it easier. I’m really happy to be here.”

– Matteo Berrettini, during his on-court interview, after teaming with Jannik Sinner to win the decisive doubles point for Italy.

 

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