Sinner Shines as Italy Rallies Past Argentina into Davis Cup Semi-Finals
Jannik Sinner delivered a stellar performance to propel reigning champions Italy to a thrilling comeback victory over Argentina, securing their place in the Davis Cup semi-finals against Australia.
World number one Sinner kept Italy in contention after Lorenzo Musetti’s opening loss to Francisco Cerundolo, dominating Sebastian Baez in a straight-set triumph. The 23-year-old then teamed up with Matteo Berrettini to clinch the decisive doubles match, defeating Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez 6-4, 7-5, in Malaga.
Italy now prepares to face Australia, the team they beat in last year’s final, in a quest to secure a spot in Sunday’s championship match. If successful, they would become the first team since the Czech Republic in 2013 to retain the Davis Cup title.
Sinner: Italy’s Key to Retention
Sinner’s commanding win over Baez, where he broke the Argentine’s serve twice in each set, highlighted his top form. Fresh off his ATP Finals victory in Turin and a career-defining season with two Grand Slam titles, Sinner has also navigated an ongoing doping controversy to remain focused on Italy’s campaign.
Earlier, Cerundolo gave Argentina the perfect start by overpowering Musetti 6-4, 6-1. However, Sinner’s return for the doubles match alongside Berrettini proved decisive, as the duo’s seamless performance justified captain Filippo Volandri’s tactical gamble to swap in star players over Italy’s established doubles team.
Volandri praised Sinner, saying, “He is a special one. He had no practice on this court, yet within minutes, he adapted perfectly and delivered when it mattered most.”
Australia Overcomes USA to Secure Semi-Final Spot
Australia, 28-time Davis Cup champions, advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over the United States in Malaga.
In an epic opening match, Thanasi Kokkinakis edged Ben Shelton in a nail-biting 30-point third-set tiebreak, saving four match points to win 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (16-14). Taylor Fritz leveled the tie for the U.S. with a clinical 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur.
The doubles team of Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson then secured Australia’s place in the last four, defeating Shelton and Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-4. Celebrating with team captain and two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt, Australia now eyes their first title since 2003.
Hewitt lauded his team, saying, “It’s a great honor to wear the green and gold. These boys have built a strong collective spirit over the years, and I couldn’t be prouder of their effort.”
As the Davis Cup intensifies, Italy and Australia both aim to etch their names into the competition’s illustrious history with a semi-final showdown that promises high drama.
