TURIN/STARNBERG, November 30, 2021
Croatia has reached the stage of the last four teams at the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals following a 2-1 victory over Italy on Monday evening at the Pala Alpitour in Turin.
Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic, winners of 9 ATP Tour titles this year and best-ranked team in the world, defeated Jannik Sinner and Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-4 in the deciding doubles rubber.
“It was very tight,” said Croaita’s Davis Cup captain Vedran Martic. “My players fought so well. I am so proud, and so happy we are in the semis.”
Sinner gave the hosts hope in the second singles rubber by overhauling Marin Cilic 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 after Borna Gojo had collected the opening point for Croatia, beating Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-2.
“It feels amazing,” Gojo said. “We knew we had to get one point from the two singles. We are confident with our doubles team. The support was unbelievable. They are so loud. Some of my best friends and family are here and I want to thank them with all my heart for coming.”
Croatia will now swap Turin for Madrid as they prepare to face either Serbia or Kazakhstan in Friday’s semi-final at the Madrid Arena as their quest for a third Davis Cup crown continues.
Semi-finals calling 📞🔜🕺
Croatia remain in title contention after @NMektic and Pavic cap off a titanic battle in Turin#DavisCupFinals #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/srRNlC1lm3
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 29, 2021
Quarterfinal – Croatia defeated Italy 2-1
Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy
Borna Gojo (CRO) d. Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) 7-6(2) 2-6 6-2Jannik Sinner (ITA) d. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3-6 7-6(4) 6-3Nikola Mektic/Mate Pavic (CRO) d. Fabio Fognini/Jannik Sinner (ITA) 6-3 6-4
