It is Italy’s third Davis Cup title, the number one triumph came in 1976. In the final Sinner won against Tallon Griekspoor 7:6(2),6:2 and thus got the crucial second point for the Italians. In the first individual, Matteo Berrettini prevailed against Botic van de Zandschulp 6:4,6:2. The Italian women had already won the Billie Jean King Cup before the men.
“It was an incredible year,” said Sinner after the triumph. “I’m very proud of the entire team. There’s a lot of work behind it and I’m happy to be able to hold up this trophy again.” Berrettini was particularly happy because he was unable to witness the 2023 title win on court due to an injury: “This year I contributed a few points, I’m just happy.” Captain Filipp Volandri had no idea he would win the title again: “I thought it would be within the next few years. But it happened again straight away.”
Sinner’s fourth major title this year
The 23-year-old Sinner won the Australian Open and the US Open in 2024, taking the first two Grand Slam titles of his career. He also triumphed at the ATP Finals in Turin in the week before the Davis Cup decision. The Italian won all three of his singles in Malaga.
Nevertheless, there is a small shadow over the Italian. Sinner tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol in March. He didn’t get a ban. The responsible tennis agency (ITIA) justified the acquittal by saying that Sinner could not be proven to have acted intentionally or negligently. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has lodged an objection and the case is now before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
