Davis Cup: Flawless Sinner/Berrettini win to clinch a 2-1 victory in Italy-Argentina tie
The Italians will now face Australia in the last four, a rematch of last year’s final
Alvaro Diaz/AFP7/Shutterstock/SIPA
Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini beat Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 6-4, to move Italy into the Davis Cup semi-finals via a 2-1 tie victory v Argentina. They will face Australia on Saturday for a place in the final.
Both teams had their break point opportunities early in the first set, but none were able to be converted. After the first three games, the set was largely serve-dominated, with the net play of the Argentines and the baseline power of the Italians proving too strong to handle during the returning games. However, Molteni, who had faced break points earlier in the set, was broken-to-love by the Sinner and Berrettini, and the latter served the set out with ease – finishing with a trademark flat forehand winner. 6-4.
By the stats, it is hard to deny that Italy deserved the early lead – having won 90 percent of their first serve points, and hitting 15 winners compared to the Argentinian’s three in the set.
The second set was more of the same, with no break point opportunities for either side until 5-5, thanks to a passing shot winner and a powerful forehand to Gonzalez’s body – both struck by Berrettini. On the break point, despite its rarity, the Italians chose an aggressive approach, with the world No 1 unloading on a forehand drive volley which was simply impossible for the Argentinian’s to bring back into court.
Berrettini – who incredibly had not played a doubles match in 18 months – served out the match on the first time of asking thanks to a Sinner smash, sealing his place as the most valuable player on the court.
Whilst the second set was serve-dominated, there was a disparity between the first serve points won – with the Italians leading 94 percent to 75 percent.
Berrettini: “It’s so special”
After the match, Berrettini said:
“It’s so special, last year I was so happy to be here as well, but it’s a different feeling to step on court and enjoy playing with the best player in the world. It’s a big honour to be part of the team, it’s not an easy choice for the captain, there are so many good players, so I worked really hard to get a spot. After everything I’ve been through, it makes everything easier.”
Sinner also commented:
“As Matteo said, we have very good choices to put on the court, we have one unbelievable doubles team, anything can happen in doubles. Today was this choice because my first match was not that long, so I felt physically ready. I’m trying my best everyday in singles, and if they put me on in doubles I also try my best there. Matteo played unbelievable today, he carried me today, and I’m also happy with my performance and happy to be in the semis.”
Earlier in the day, Francisco Cerundolo defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1, and Jannik Sinner beat Sebastian Baez 6-2, 6-0.
Last year, the Italian team faced Australia in the final, ultimately winning the tie 2-0 and lifting the trophy for the first time since 1976. With Jannik Sinner’s sensational form in 2024, it will be hard to bet against them this year.
