Spain World number four Jannik Sinner helped Italy win the Davis Cup final quickly when he defeated Australian opponent Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-0 on the evening of November 26.
Sinner completely dominated his opponent when he won the last eight games in a row, including four break-points. The 22-year-old talent entered the match confidently because before that, his teammate Matteo Arnaldi excellently defeated Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in the first singles match to bring the advantage back to Italy.
Sinner (second from left) helped Italy win the Davis Cup for the first time in 47 years. Photo: DC
Australia could not drag the final into a deciding men's doubles match as Sinner continued his fine form by not losing a single break point. The kangaroos lost the Davis Cup final for the second year in a row.
"We are extremely happy with this victory," Sinner said after the Davis Cup awards ceremony. "We went from being one point away from being eliminated to being champions. We did this together as a team and now it's time to enjoy it."
Italy would have lost the semi-finals if Sinner had not saved three match points in his second singles match against Novak Djokovic on the evening of November 25. Sinner's thrilling victory over Nole motivated Italy to make a comeback against Serbia in the men's doubles match and book a ticket to the final. Including the win over de Minaur, Sinner has won 20 of his 22 singles matches since the US Open.
Italy's first Davis Cup title in 47 years since 1976. "We made a dream come true. Arnaldi and Sinner were fantastic today," Lorenzo Musetti said after the match. The world No. 27 seemed comfortable despite having to give up his first singles position to Arnaldi, who is ranked No. 44 in the ATP rankings.
"We put the spirit of unity above everything," Sinner added. "The whole team appreciates members like Matteo Berrettini. He had a very difficult year with many injuries, could not play at his level, but is still here to bring positive energy to the whole team."
Vy Anh
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