Led by Jannik Sinner, Italy retains its Davis Cup title

Italy retained its Davis Cup title. Already crowned last year, Jannik Sinner and his compatriots dominated the Netherlands in the final (2-0), in Malaga (Spain) on Sunday November 24.

Filippo Volandri's players are the first to retain their title in this competition since the Czechs, winners in 2012 and 2013. With these two Silver Bowls won in a row, Italy joins the ranks of authors of doubles with the United States. United, Sweden, Germany and Spain.

In the first match of the day, Matteo Berrettini dismissed Botic Van de Zandschulp in 1 h 16 min (6-4, 6-2), to offer Italy the first point with his heavy service and forehand strikes. . The former world number 6 (he is 35^e now), Wimbledon finalist in 2021, launched Italy towards a third coronation, as he had already done on Saturday in the semi-finals against the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.

World number one, Jannik Sinner then assumed his status against Tallon Griekspoor, 40^e world player (7-6 [7-2]6-2). Hanging in the first set, the 23-year-old played his game in the second act and asphyxiated his opponent, as he has done all season on the ATP circuit.

Seventy victories for six defeats for Jannik Sinner

“I am very proud to have completed this incredible yearrejoiced Jannik Sinner at the organizer's microphone. I'm so happy to have been able to win this trophy again with this great team. It is a very important competition for all of Italy, which is passionate about Tennis. The weight I had on my shoulders allowed me to give a little more. » These few words were spoken just before a final tribute to the retired Rafael Nadal, eliminated with Spain by the Netherlands on Tuesday evening.

Crowned at the Masters, which was played in Italy last week, Jannik Sinner also won his first two Grand Slam tournaments, in Melbourne (Australia) in January, then at the US Open in New York (United States), early september. He concluded the individual season with an impressive record of 70 wins and six losses.

His almost perfect year, however, was also marked by his positive test for a banned anabolic, before being cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency for having been “unintentionally contaminated”.