Davis Cup: Cerundolo beats Musetti in straight sets to give Argentina 1-0 lead over Italy
The Italian’s diminished serve and passive play was exploited by the Argentine
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Francisco Cerundolo got Argentina off to the best possible start in their quarter-final tie v Italy, beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1. The victory puts Argentina within one win of knocking out the defending Davis Cup champions.
With the world No 1 Jannik Sinner on the Italian team, a win for Argentina in the first singles match on Thursday was crucial, and, probably, necessary. However, Cerundolo was broken in his first service game at 1-0, missing multiple shots long during neutral rallies. The Argentine broke back for 2-1, before both held by saving break points.
When crunch time came, from 3-3 in the first set, Musetti’s game fell apart. He was broken twice more, with Cerundolo serving out the set 6-4. In the entire set, the Wimbledon semi-finalist hit just one winner, whilst producing 16 unforced errors. It was not a case of facing an opponent who is ‘on fire’, with Cerundolo making nine winners, but conceding 19 unforced errors himself. Not exactly stellar numbers.
In the second set, things got worse for the Italian team. Musetti was broken in his very first service game, before surviving a close game at 2-0, and going down a double break for 4-1, being broken for the set – and the match – 6-1. The bronze medalist won just 44 percent of his first service points, compared to a very effective 80 percent for Cerundolo, and made just two winners in the second set.
Cerundolo delighted with victory
Cerundolo spoke after the match, and said:
“I played one of my best matches of the year. I was a bit nervous at the beginning, because you always feel a bit of pressure in this event. You don’t just play for yourself, but for your teammates, your family, your country.”
i PLAYED ONE OF MY BEST MATCHES OF THE YEAR
The event has been a historically horrendous one for Musetti, possessing a 2-5 win-loss record at the Davis Cup. Even more remarkably, the Italian has now lost his last five Davis Cup matches.
Jannik Sinner will now face Sebastian Baez to keep Italy’s chances alive at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.
