David Cup 2023: Italy power to trophy for first time since 1976 as Matteo Arnaldi and Jannik Sinner emerge victorious
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Updated 26/11/2023 at 20:52 GMT
Jannik Sinner continued his blistering form as he and compatriot Matteo Arnaldi imposed an Italian job on Australia in the Davis Cup final to win the tournament for his country for the first time since 1976. Sinner breezed past Alex de Minaur after Arnaldi had already beaten Alexei Popyrin. "It has been an incredible feeling for all of us. Obviously, we are really happy," Sinner said.
Highlights: Sensational Sinner leads Italy to first Davis Cup triumph in 47 years
Italy have won the Davis Cup for the first time in 47 years after Jannik Sinner and Matteo Arnaldi overcame their Australian counterparts to seal victory after two matches.
Arnaldi got the Italians off to a strong start with a 7-5 2-6 6-4 victory over Alexei Popyrin.
A day after sensationally beating Novak Djokovic as part of Italy’s hard-earned semi-final win over Serbia, Sinner produced another spell-binding performance to beat world No. 12 Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-0.
Following the win, a thrilled Sinner thanked team-mate Matteo Berrettini, who has taken a break from the game, as Italy claimed the cup for the first time since 1976.
"It has been an incredible feeling for all of us, obviously we are really happy," Sinner said. “[A] huge thanks to Matteo Berrettini. He's had a very, very tough year with a lot of injuries and it means a lot to all of us that he came here with his positive energy.
"We kept everything together. Yesterday, we were one point from being out and now we can celebrate the win. I think we can all be very, very happy."
Lorenzo Musetti, who was also part of the Italy squad, added: "It was one of my dreams. We made it happen. Jannik Sinner and Matteo Arnaldi today were amazing. We really deserved it so I'm really, really happy and proud."
After a nervy opening singles match between Arnaldi and Popyrin which the Italian edged, Sinner took to the court and put on a professional, exquisite performance to beat De Minaur.
He broke the Australian in the third game of the opening set to take control of the tie and converted his second set point when De Minaur overhit a lob.
One set from an Italian victory, the 22-year-old could smell blood and he was ruthless as he finished the job to continue his phenomenal form.
Sinner was rampant as he closed out the match without reply to earn Italy only their second-ever David Cup win.
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