Jannik Sinner is currently unbeatable, © APA/afp / JORGE GUERRERO
Italy is in the Davis Cup final! Jannik Sinner won the second semi-final match against Australia and led his Azzurri to the very last round.
23. November 2024
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Matteo Berrettini gave Italy their first point in the Davis Cup semi-final against Australia with a spectacular victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis. Shortly afterwards, Jannik Sinner and Alex De Minaur took part in the second round of the tennis thriller. In contrast to the first game of the day, the balance of power between number 1 in the ATP rankings and number 9 was much clearer: the South Tyrolean defeated the “Aussie” with a convincing 6:3 and 6:4 in 1.29 hours and thus led Italy to the final. The Azzurri will meet the Netherlands there on Sunday from 4 p.m.
Although Sinner, as is almost always the case these days, went into the match as the heavy favorite, the encounter against De Minaur was difficult to predict. A win would have taken Italy straight to the final, while a loss would have required a doubles decider. Australia coach Lleyton Hewitt could have fielded two top doubles players there, Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson, who could have put Italy in serious trouble. But the man from Sexten didn’t let himself be put off and sealed Australia’s 2-0 defeat with a confident performance.
The Australian tried everything. © ANSA / Alvaro Cabrera
Sinner won the first set 6:3, getting two breaks, while De Minaur took the number 1’s serve once. The Australian showed courageous tennis and held strong despite the seemingly overwhelming task. De Minaur played courageously, sprinted tirelessly across the hard rubber and even pulled the Italian audience out of their seats with actions worth seeing. Despite his committed performance, what was shown was not enough against a Sinner in top form.
Sinner’s level is incredible
De Minaur also maintained the high level in the second set and was even able to improve, which only highlighted Sinner’s impressive form even more. The Pusterer delighted the fans in Malaga with hammer-hard, precise serves. There were also forehand shots that seemed like they had been fired from a pistol, and a self-confidence that inspired respect from every opponent. With spectacular rallies, Sinner secured his opponent’s serve when the score was 4:4 after three break points in the same game and then won the second set 6:4.
Sinner had his sights set on the finale. © APA/afp / JORGE GUERRERO
The South Tyrolean made it 2-0 against Australia and led the Azzurri to the final of the Davis Cup, where Sinner and Co. want to defend their title from last year. The decision will be made on Sunday from 4 p.m.
