Italy advance to Davis Cup final in epic battle against Serbs
MÁLAGA – The Davis Cup has once again reminded us why tennis is much more than a sport; it is an ever-evolving narrative, full of feats, sacrifices and triumphs. And with these historical overtones, Italy, led by a great Jannik Sinner who emerged as the hero of the day, led his team with a spectacular performance.
The clash was more than just a match; it was a tennis epic that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Italy, determined to make a mark on the tournament, faced adversity and challenges from Novak Djokovic’s Serbia. From spectacular points to moments of palpable tension, each set was a rollercoaster of emotions for the spectators.
It was Miomir Kecmanovic and Serbia who struck first. After a first set in which the Serb had the serve to close, his opponent Lorenzo Musetti, turned it around and managed to take the first set in sudden death. His joy was short-lived, in the sixth game of the second set, Kecmanovic broke his serve and ended up closing the set 6-2. In the last set, the Italian, suffering from physical discomfort, ended up losing 6-1 and putting the Serbian triumph on a plate.
Sinner came out all guns blazing
Jannik Sinner, with his skill and stamina on the pitch, emerged as the beacon that guided Italy to victory. His skill and composure at crucial moments were key to the Italian team’s success. The young talent showed not only his technical prowess, but also his maturity and leadership in high-pressure situations. Sinner put his team on his back and came out on top with a 6-2 first set win.
Novak Djokovic then extended the points in search of a third set. And so it was, the Serb returned the 6-2 received and everything was played in the third set.
In the tenth game of the final set, everything went black for the hopeful Italian fans present at the Palacio de Deportes Martín Carpena. Djokovic had three match and tiebreak balls. The Serb wasted these opportunities. Only three times he lost in his career having had match point in his favour. Sinner with a temperament out of the ordinary for his age took that game, broke the next and closed with his serve.
The Serb had won 21 consecutive matches, but his streak was cut short against a Sinner who wanted revenge after his defeat a few days ago in the final of the ATP Finals in Turin.
All to doubles
Of the four players scheduled for the doubles, only two remained. Both Filippo Volandri and Viktor Troicki sent their best singles players out on court. Thus, Sinner and Djokovic faced each other for the fourth time in eleven days.
Sinnner and Lorenzo Sonego took the Italians 6-3 with the first break point of the first set.
In the second set the Serbians tried everything. However, the Italians closed the match by a score of 6-3.
In the final of the Davis Cup Australia was already waiting for the Italians, who will face Jannik Sinner’s Italy.
