Sinner seals back-to-back Davis Cup crowns for Italy

Jannik Sinner sealed Italy’s second Davis Cup title in two years as he beat the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (2), 6-2.

“Very proud of the whole team,” Sinner said afterwards. “We are very happy to hold this trophy again. It was a difficult day today. Everything can happen.

“I’m very happy and honoured to be part of this.”

The pivotal moment of what was perhaps a surprisingly tight first set came in the tiebreak, as Griekspoor sent over two clever slices in succession, only to be outwitted by the angle of Sinner’s forehand. Italy were 5-2 up and the world No 1 swiftly won the next two points – finishing with an ace – to put himself within one set of retaining the Davis Cup for his country.

And after an epic fifth game in the second set, Sinner got the decisive break to take a 3-2 lead – and a double break followed as Griekspoor’s tenacity faded.

It made a resurgence to save three successive match points on the Sinner serve, but once more the Italian sent down an ace to end the set, the match, and the tournament.

Sinner’s win followed a superb start to the day from Matteo Berrettini, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets in the first singles match.

Berrettini: We always bring our heart on court

Berrettini had been absent from last year’s squad due to ongoing injury issues, but had supported the team to victory, and each of his team-mates was quick to say how happy they were for him to be part of the win on court in this title defence.

“I’m just so happy,” Berrettini said. “Obviously last year I was here to support the team, this year I brought some points to the cause. It doesn’t matter who’s playing, we always bring our heart on court…This is a really big team and I’m very happy for the trophy.”

This win also followed a victory for Italy in the Billie Jean King Cup Final, defeating Slovakia in the two singles matches.

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