Berrettini And Sinner Score Big Wins, Italy Returns To Davis Cup Final

Matteo Berrettini (photo: by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for ITF)

MALAGA/WASHINGTON, November 23, 2024 (by Michael Dickens)

Defending champion Italy rode the good fortunes of Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner to a pair of huge victories over Australia that secured their return to the Davis Cup final in Malaga Saturday afternoon.

Italy, looking to become the first country to successfully defend their Davis Cup title since Czechia won back-to-back crowns in 2012-13, defeated the Aussies 2-0 in a rematch of last year’s Davis Cup final. The loss ended Australia’s chance of reaching its third straight Davis Cup final and hopes of winning a 29th Davis Cup title.

After making a comeback against Argentina in Thursday’s 2-1 quarterfinal-round victory, the Azzurri took care of business by securing victories in both of their Davis Cup Final 8 semifinal singles matches. After Berrettini went the distance to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis in three dramatic sets, coming from behind, World No. 1 Sinner took care of No. 9 Alex de Minaur, 6-3, 6-4, in an hour and 27 minutes, to clinch the tie. It was similar to the outcome earlier this month when Sinner, the ATP Year-End No. 1, defeated de Minaur at the ATP Finals in Turin.

It set up a championship final on Sunday for Italy against the Netherlands, who advanced with a 2-0 semifinal victory over Germany Friday evening to reach their first Davis Cup final in 104 years.

Sinner’s triumph extended his unbeaten run in Davis Cup competition to eight and his streak of ATP Tour-level wins to 14, having now won 24 consecutive sets across 13 matches.

The South Tyrolean broke de Minaur twice in the first set, including in the sixth game, for a 4-2 lead. He won the 40-minute opener behind a pair of aces and 10 winners while dictating many of the rallies. Then, at 4-all in the second set, Sinner broke de Minaur on his third opportunity with a lunging backhand passing-shot winner to go ahead 5-4.

With the match and the tie on his racquet – and with a return trip to the Davis Cup final hanging in the balance – Sinner came up clutch in the final game. He set up match point with a volley forehand winner coming into the net, then garnered victory after de Minaur shanked a second-shot backhand return. The Australian No. 1 slammed his racquet down in frustration after suffering his ninth straight loss against the Italian No. 1. But, soon, all was forgotten as he congratulated Sinner on his victory at the net.

Coming back to his bench, Sinner received a big hug from Berrettti, first, then congratulations from the remainder of his teammates. Once again, the Italian No. 1 came up big when it mattered most.

Asked during his on-court interview what Saturday’s triumph meant to him and to his nation, Sinner replied: “It means a lot. It was a tough encounter playing Alex. It was a tough challenge for me. We know each other quite well now so I have to be very careful every time. I was looking forward to this one.

“Obviously, it helps a lot that Matteo won his singles [match] today. He played amazing tennis with a very high quality.

“Hopefully, this can give us confidence for tomorrow. It’s going to be a difficult and tough day for us and also for the Netherlands. We will just try to do our best and see what’s coming.”

By the end, Sinner had outpointed de Minaur 65-51. He hit four aces and added 18 other winners – 12 of them from the forehand side – while making just 15 unforced errors. Sinner converted three of six break points and was broken just once. De Minaur finished with five aces plus nine other winners but made 28 forced and 14 unforced errors.

Looking back, Sinner came out and played relaxed under pressure – and rose to the occasion better than his opponent.

“There’s a lot of pressure,” Sinner admitted. “There’s a different pressure because there’s the weight of your whole country on your shoulders. It’s exactly why I practice. I like these moments. It’s been a long season; tomorrow is the last official day for us. We’re very happy it’s the final of the Davis Cup. It’s a team competition. I’ll try to do my best keeping it together. If we win, it’s amazing. If not, we’ve done an incredible job to be in this position again to play for this huge trophy.”

Berrettini prevails in battle of big hitters

In the opening match between Berrettini and Kokkinakis, the two competitors delivered a big-hitting opening set that featured 11 service aces between them. Kokkinakis captured the 65-minute opening set by saving two set points, then rallying to win it in a tiebreaker 8-6. He recovered from being down 3-5 in the tie-break by winning five of the final six points.

However, Berrettini roared back to force a decider after he broke Kokkinakis for a 5-3 lead in the second set on his second break-point opportunity of the game. The Italian consolidated the break with a love hold to win the set.

In the decider, Berrettini struck his 12th ace to hold for 5-all. Then, at 15-40 in the next game, he gained a break point with a forehand winner and broke Kokkinakis after the Australian hit a fifth shot forehand wide.

Serving for the match, Berrettini quickly went ahead 30-0 after hitting a smash winner and, soon, gained match point after Kokkinakis sailed a forehand long.

Finally, Berrettini gave Italy a 1-0 lead with an emphatic service ace – his 14th – to win a absolute thriller, 6-7 (6), 6-3, 7-5, in two hours and 43 minutes. The Roman held his nerves when it counted most. Upon securing the win, Berrettini beamed a big smile toward his bench, then let out a big sigh of relief as he greeted the fallen Kokkinakis at the net.

During his on-court interview, the 35th-ranked Berrettini said he expected Kokkinakis to play at a level higher than his No. 77 ranking would suggest. “I expected that. He’s such a talented player.

“When you play for your country, you want to give your best every time,” Berrettini added. “He’s won many times this year, so I knew he’s a tough opponent. After I lost the first set, you know, it wasn’t easy to digest it. I had so many chances. When I looked at my bench, I could tell they were pumped for me to win. So, I kept on fighting and I’m really happy for that.”

In addition to his 14 aces, Berrettini won 82 percent of his first-serve points. He added 20 winners to 20 unforced errors, converted three of 10 break points, and benefited from 47 forced and 26 unforced errors by Kokkinakis. Berrettini outpointed his opponent 75-64.

“It’s all about the energy, how you handle the tough moments,” Berrettini said. “I kept on fighting, got the break and finished it.”

With Berrettini’s mission accomplished, it was up to Sinner to sew up the tie with another big victory, one that would send Italy back to the Davis Cup final. He delivered the goods.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to have Jannik with us,” Italy team captain Filippo Volandri said of Sinner’s level this week. “He managed to win a very good match. I think he played even better [against Alex] than in Turin. I congratulate Australia. They played two really good matches. The level of the tennis [between the two teams] was an unbelievable height.”

By the numbers

Italy has reached the Davis Cup final for the second consecutive year. They are making their fifth appearance at the Davis Cup Finals.

“Quotable …”

“It feels like Italy, it’s unbelievable. When you’re playing against such a strong opponent, such a good match, you just cheer for everybody. I love this atmosphere. I love playing Davis Cup and I cannot wait to play many more matches in the next years.”

Matteo Berrettini of Italy, during his on-court interview Saturday, describing the elation of winning his semifinal Saturday.