ReutersMatteo Berrettini
NOS Sport•vandaag, 16:03
Italy took a 1-0 lead against Australia in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup. The winner of the match between is the opponent of the Netherlands in the final.
The first match took place on Saturday afternoon between Matteo Berrettini (Italy) and Thanasi Kokkinakis (Australia), Berrettini won in three sets, 6-7, 6-3 and 7-5. Heavyweights Jannik Sinner (Italy) and Alex de Minaur (Australia) will soon compete against each other. In the other semi-final, the Netherlands was too strong for Germany yesterday.
The Davis Cup final will be played on Sunday (4 p.m.). Davis Cup matches consist of a maximum of three games. If the score is tied after two singles matches, the Davis Cup will be decided in doubles.
Berrettini vs Kokkinakis
The first set between Berrettini and Kokkinakis, numbers 35 and 77 in the world respectively, went quite evenly. The Italian, fanatically serenaded by the crowd in Málaga, was slightly stronger. He had several break opportunities, but missed them.
At 5-5 he finally struck, only to immediately surrender his service game. In the tiebreak that followed, Berrettini received several set points, but he did not make them either. Kokkinakis punished that.
The teams of Italy and Australia
The selection of Italy consists of singles players Jannik Sinner (ATP-1), Lorenzo Musetti (ATP-17), Matteo Berrettini (ATP-35) and doubles specialists Andrea Vavassori (ATP double-9) and Simone Bolleli (ATP double-11).
Australia’s selection consists of singles players Alex de Minaur (ATP-9), Alexei Popyrin (ATP-24), Jordan Thompson (ATP-26), Thanasi Kokkinakis (ATP-77) and doubles specialist Matthew Ebden (ATP double-13).
In the second set, Berrettini managed to break through Kokkinakis’ serve. At 4-3 he went to 5-3 after a long game, and then served out the set solidly. A third set had to decide the match. The two gentlemen were evenly matched in this regard.
Both men managed to hold their serve until 4-4. In the ninth game, Berrettini seemed to be on his way to a break after a 0-30 lead, but the Australian still managed to win. A crucial moment in the game was when Berrettini let a ball run at 15-30 because it looked out of bounds, but the ball hit the line, bringing Kokkinakis back to 30-30.
ANPMatteo Berrettini cheers
Berrettini then easily went to 5-5 and then had two break opportunities on Australia’s serve. Now he did use it and so the strong-serving Italian was allowed to serve for the match. Berrettini made no mistake and crowned his good play with a victory.
Berrettini’s Brilliance: Italy’s Path to the Davis Cup Final
Ah, the Davis Cup semi-finals, where the atmosphere crackles like a shoddy firework show and the tension is thicker than a bowl of overcooked spaghetti! Italy kicked things off with a bang, taking a 1-0 lead against Australia’s seasoned players. Who knew tennis could rival the intensity of a soap opera? You’ll want to grab some popcorn for this!
In the opening match, Matteo Berrettini faced off against Thanasi Kokkinakis. With a thrilling scoreline reading 6-7, 6-3, 7-5, it was the kind of match that had all the drama of your Aunt Edna’s wedding—complete with unexpected twists and a few moments that had you questioning everyone’s life choices. Berrettini, the Italian powerhouse, managed to pull through in three sets and showcased why he’s ranked 35th in the world—because apparently, having muscles isn’t enough if you can’t serve aces with style!
Match Breakdown: Berrettini vs. Kokkinakis
The first set was a real nail-biter. Both players exchanged blows like they were in a tennis-themed Rocky movie, only there weren’t any dramatic montages or eye-catching sideburns. Berrettini appeared to be on a mission, with the crowd in Málaga serving as his personal cheer squad, but missed several break opportunities—it’s like he was auditioning for the role of ‘the guy who just can’t close the deal’.
At 5-5, Berrettini finally struck gold, only to promptly hand it back by losing his service game. Award-winning drama ensued in the tiebreak, where Berrettini saw multiple set points slip through his fingers like a clumsy waiter at a fancy restaurant. Kokkinakis seized the moment and snatched the set. “Unlucky mate!” would be the understatement of the day.
The Line-Up: A Clash of Titans!
As much as we love a good underdog story, the line-ups were a sight to behold. Italy featured the likes of singles players Jannik Sinner (ATP-1) and Lorenzo Musetti (ATP-17), alongside Berrettini. On the other hand, Australia’s rock stars included Alex de Minaur (ATP-9) and Alexei Popyrin (ATP-24)—a veritable who’s who of racket-wielders!
The second set saw Berrettini finally start to find his groove, like an actor remembering his lines after a coffee run. He broke Kokkinakis’ serve and smoothly cruised to a set win at 6-3. Confidence: 1, Kokkinakis: 0.
And then came the deciding third set, which unfolded in a manner that reminded you this wasn’t just a Sunday afternoon game at the park. Both gents stood toe-to-toe, matching each other with serve after serve, until Berrettini found himself flirting with victory at 5-5. Talk about keeping the audience on the edge of their seats!
A crucial moment? Oh, you bet! Berrettini had a moment of sheer panic when he let a ball pass, thinking it was out, only to discover it hit the line. Classic blunder that left us all reeling! But he gallantly recovered, secured a break on Kokkinakis’ serve, and wrapped it up like a pro. As his serve finally sealed the match, the relief in his expression was enough to melt the coldest of hearts.
What’s Next?
With Italy now leading the semi-final, they’ll be gearing up to face off against the Netherlands in the final showdown. Set for Sunday at 4 p.m., we’re in for a feast of racquet-thwacking, net-snapping drama! Grab your flags, folks—this is one match you won’t want to miss.
Italy took an early 1-0 lead against Australia in the highly anticipated semi-finals of the Davis Cup, showcasing their tennis prowess. The victor of this match will go on to face the Netherlands in the final showdown.
The first singles duel unfolded on Saturday afternoon, featuring the formidable Matteo Berrettini of Italy and Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis. In an exciting battle, Berrettini emerged victorious after three closely contested sets, winning 6-7, 6-3, and 7-5. As the competition unfolds, heavyweight players Jannik Sinner from Italy and Alex de Minaur from Australia are set to clash soon. In the other semi-final, the Netherlands showcased their strength by overpowering Germany just a day prior.
The Davis Cup final is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m., where intense matches are expected, typically consisting of a maximum of three games. Should the score remain tied after the first two singles encounters, the deciding outcome will hinge on a doubles match.
Berrettini vs Kokkinakis
In the first set of the match between Berrettini and Kokkinakis, currently ranked 35th and 77th in the world respectively, the play was fiercely competitive. The Italian star was fervently supported by the crowd in Málaga, often seeming the stronger player despite encountering multiple break opportunities that he could not convert. Finally, at 5-5, he broke Kokkinakis’ serve but soon relinquished his own service game, leading to a tiebreak. During this tiebreak, Berrettini found himself with several set points, but could not capitalize on these chances, which Kokkinakis subsequently punished, taking the set.
The teams of Italy and Australia
The selection of Italy consists of elite players including Jannik Sinner (ATP-1), Lorenzo Musetti (ATP-17), Matteo Berrettini (ATP-35), and doubles experts Andrea Vavassori (ATP double-9) alongside Simone Bolelli (ATP double-11).
Australia’s selection features a formidable lineup of singles competitors such as Alex de Minaur (ATP-9), Alexei Popyrin (ATP-24), Jordan Thompson (ATP-26), and Thanasi Kokkinakis (ATP-77), complemented by doubles specialist Matthew Ebden (ATP double-13).
In the second set, Berrettini achieved a breaking breakthrough against Kokkinakis’ serve. At 4-3, he extended his lead to 5-3 after a strenuous game and subsequently sealed the set with a solid serve. This prompted a decisive third set. Both players displayed remarkable resilience, managing to hold their serves until the score reached 4-4. Berrettini appeared poised to break Kokkinakis after taking a 0-30 lead in the ninth game; however, the Australian rallied to hold serve. A pivotal moment in the match arose when Berrettini allowed a ball to pass, assuming it was out, but the shot clipped the line instead, shifting the momentum back to Kokkinakis.
Following this tense exchange, Berrettini quickly leveled the score at 5-5, then obtained two break chances on Kokkinakis’ serve. This time, the Italian made no mistake, securing the break that allowed him to serve for the match. Berrettini capitalized on his moment, sealing his performance with a well-deserved victory.
How did Kokkinakis manage to secure the first set against Berrettini despite the latter’s chances to clinch it?
Rrettini had several chances to clinch the set but ultimately faltered, allowing Kokkinakis to take the first set 7-6, much to the delight of the Australian supporters.
The second set saw a shift in momentum as Berrettini rejuvenated his game, breaking Kokkinakis’ serve early on. The Italian, with his powerful serves and aggressive play, maintained his lead, ultimately taking the set 6-3 and tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set was a true showcase of skill and determination, with both players fiercely holding their serves until a critical moment at 5-5. Berrettini capitalized on a break opportunity after a tense exchange, and he managed to serve out the match cleanly, winning the final set 7-5. This victory highlighted not just Berrettini’s talent but also his resilience in overcoming adversity during match play.
Now with Italy leading 1-0 in the semi-final, all eyes will be on Jannik Sinner as he prepares to battle Australia’s Alex de Minaur. The stakes are high, and with the Netherlands already securing their place in the final against the winner of this tie, the atmosphere promises to be electrifying!
As the competition progresses, one thing is clear: the Davis Cup continues to deliver high-stakes tennis with nail-biting performances that keep fans enthralled. The anticipation builds for a climactic final on Sunday, where glory awaits the team that can conquer both the court and their nerves.
