Sinner sends Italy into doubles decider, will next team Berrettini

  • Posted: Nov 21, 2024

Jannik Sinner kept alive Italy’s hopes of defending its Davis Cup title on Thursday. The World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings delivered a commanding performance under pressure, downing Sebastian Baez 6-2, 6-1 to level the Final 8 tie with Argentina at 1-1.

“It was a must-win match,” Sinner said. “Very different conditions. The court is very, very fast and tough to play. I haven’t had so much time to adapt to the conditions, but I’m happy about today. The most important thing was to keep Italy alive. Now, doubles, anything can happen.”

Fresh off claiming the Nitto ATP Finals trophy, Sinner relied on a hefty serving performance and stayed aggressive early in rallies to dictate baseline exchanges. The 23-year-old did not face a break point until 4-0 in the second set, erasing all four of Baez’s chances that game to maintain his double-break lead.

Sinner, who has won 27 of his past 28 matches, claimed 71 per cent of his first-serve points, compared to Baez’s 46 per cent.

Boasting a 71-6 season record, Sinner will next team Matteo Berrettini in the deciding doubles match against Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.

Earlier, Argentine Francisco Cerundolo downed Olympic bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-1 in the opening rubber. The 26-year-old Cerundolo seamlessly transitioned from defence to offence and pinned Musetti deep beyond the baseline en route to a 90-minute victory.

Cerundolo, who beat Musetti in the Umag final earlier this year, converted six of his 13 break point chances, according to Infosys ATP Stats. “I played one of the best matches of the year for sure,” said Cerundolo. “I did it for my team because now we have a chance to win.”

The winner between Italy and Argentina will face Australia in the semi-finals Saturday. Last year, Sinner clinched Italy’s first Davis Cup title since 1976 with a victory against Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Sinner, an 18-time tour-level titlist, saved three match points against Novak Djokovic to send Italy to the championship round.

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

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