Jannik Sinner capped an unparalleled year by guiding Italy to a a hit defence of their Davis Cup title with victory over the Netherlands within the remaining on Sunday.
The realm #1 sealed the triumph with a commanding 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, securing the decisive point after Matteo Berrettini had given Italy the lead with a 6-4, 6-2 salvage against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Sinner ends a stellar 2024 season with titles on the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, further cementing his put of residing on the pinnacle of males’s tennis.
“The whole group of workers is amazing. We tried to defend our title, and now we have performed it, so we’re extremely fully ecstatic. There’s reasonably about a work within the again of it,” said Sinner after Italy clinched their third Davis Cup crown.
Italy became the major group of workers to successfully defend the title since the Czech Republic in 2013 and joined an elite neighborhood of countries to salvage each the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup within the the same season.
The leisure, held on the Martin Carpena enviornment, featured a active ambiance with solid Italian fortify countered by an orange sea of Dutch followers. For the Netherlands, it was their first remaining in 104 years, but Sinner proved too fearless in his fresh set aside.
Sinner’s Dominance Continues
Griekspoor, ranked 40th, pushed Sinner early, forcing him to attach two break aspects and taking the major situation to a tie-break. On the different hand, Sinner’s precision and energy saw him loyal an early mini-break, and he closed the situation with his 12th ace.
Within the second situation, Sinner broke Griekspoor twice, the second time after an dear double fault from the Dutchman. A remaining unreturnable support on his fourth match point sealed the victory.
“I had no different risk than playing a high-level match,” said Griekspoor. “Jannik is terribly tricky to beat, particularly with the season he is had—he deserves all of it.”
Berrettini Shines in Return to Davis Cup
Berrettini, who overlooked Italy’s 2023 title trip due to effort, performed a a must have role of their defence this year. The realm number 35 dispatched Van de Zandschulp in 76 minutes, handing over 10 forehand winners and 16 aces.
“It feels good to be on court. A success is better, but being wholesome and having fun with this ambiance is the largest thing for me because I overlooked that,” said Berrettini.
After edging the major situation, Berrettini dominated the second, breaking within the third and seventh video games to situation up Sinner for the decisive salvage.
Dutch Disappointment
Netherlands captain Paul Haarhuis, fragment of the closing Dutch group of workers to succeed within the semi-finals in 2001, expressed blended feelings.
“I wouldn’t have a address relationship with second put of residing; I have a detest relationship with second put of residing,” Haarhuis said. “Even supposing I’m unbelievably joyful with the fellows, for now, it feels terrifying.”
Despite their daring effort, the Dutch had no answer to an Italian group of workers spearheaded by an in-set aside Sinner and an inspired Berrettini, as Italy continued to dominate the worldwide tennis stage.
