Italy, Australia set up Davis Cup semi-final clash

MALAGA – World No. 1 Jannik Sinner triumphed in singles and what he called a “must-win” doubles on Nov 21 to help Davis Cup holders Italy beat Argentina 2-1 to reach the semi-finals.

The Italians will face Australia, who had defeated record 32-time winners the United States with a 2-1 victory.

Sinner blew Sebastian Baez away 6-2, 6-1 after Francisco Cerundolo comfortably beat his compatriot Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 in the opening match. In the decisive doubles battle, he and Matteo Berrettini shaded Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez 6-4, 7-5 to progress.

“If they put me on the court in doubles, I try my best,” said Sinner.

“It was a must-win match. The court is very, very fast and tough to play. But I’m happy about today. Matteo played unbelievable today, he carried me.”

Italy booked a third consecutive return to the semi-finals and are favourites to win the Davis Cup for a second year running, in no small part because of two-time Major champion Sinner’s presence.

The 23-year-old beat Novak Djokovic in singles and doubles in the 2023 semi-finals on the way to helping Italy end a 47-year wait to lift the trophy again.

Against Baez in the first set, he missed five chances to close it out but eventually did so at the sixth time of asking.

Sinner broke in the second and fourth games of the second set, before holding on to serve out the match.

The doubles pairs were tied until the ninth game of the first set, when Sinner won three points and then Molteni clipped his passing shot which was heading wide to hand Italy the decisive solitary break.

The second set was even tighter with Italy breaking for a 6-5 lead and sealing their victory with a Sinner smash.

“It’s a different feeling when you step on court and can enjoy playing with the best player in the world,” said Berrettini.

Australia’s match-up with the US was the most played in Davis Cup history with this their 48th meeting.

In the opening match, Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis edged Ben Shelton 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (16-14).

Fritz pulled the US level in the tie by beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 before Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson beat Shelton and Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4.

Australia, who have lifted the trophy 28 times, second only to the US, last won the tournament in 2003 and finished runners-up in the last two editions.

They will be out for revenge on Nov 23.

“If we’re up against them (Italy) we’ll be up for the challenge – but it’s not going to be any easier than it was last year,” said captain Lleyton Hewitt. AFP