Jannik Sinner Upsets Novak Djokovic to Lead Italy into the Final

Jannik Sinner caused shockwaves as he defeated Novak Djokovic and propelled Italy to a Davis Cup final showdown against Australia on Sunday.

Serbia initially took the lead in the semi-final when Miomir Kecmanovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti with a 6-7 (7-9), 6-2, 6-1 scoreline in the first singles rubber.

However, Sinner exhibited his prowess by triumphing over the top-ranked Djokovic with a score of 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, thereby leveling the tie.

Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego then secured a thrilling victory by defeating Djokovic and Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 in the doubles match.

The final on Sunday will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website from 15:00 GMT.

What took place in Saturday’s semi-final?

The action-packed day in Malaga commenced with a fierce first set between Kecmanovic and Musetti. The Italian player claimed the victory in the tie-break.

As the match progressed, it became evident that Musetti was beginning to struggle physically, allowing Kecmanovic to comfortably secure the second set and dominate the third to put Serbia in the lead.

In a high-quality second singles match, world number four Sinner displayed his resilience by saving three match points, inflicting the first Davis Cup defeat on Djokovic since a retirement against Juan Martin del Potro 12 years ago – marking his first loss in 21 matches.

This encounter between Djokovic and Sinner was their third face-off within 12 days after they jousted twice – each winning once – at last week’s ATP Finals in Turin.

Sinner outperformed Djokovic in the opening set, leaving the 24-time Grand Slam champion unusually disoriented on the court. However, Djokovic retaliated, leveling the match as his opponent’s performance faltered.

The deciding set was brimming with intensity, resilience, and dramatic events in an electrifying atmosphere. Sinner saved three match points from 5-4 and 40-0 down, then broke Djokovic before securing the win.

This led the tie into the doubles, and Italy looked composed in clinching the opening set.

At one point, the crowd jeered Djokovic, who had earlier in the week told a group of British fans to “shut up”. In reaction, he gestured like a conductor.

However, he was no match for Sinner’s powerful groundstrokes, and an inspired Sonego contributed to Italy’s first Davis Cup final appearance in 25 years.

“I just tried to push in every single point and the 0-40 game helped the confidence and also after I broke him,” said Sinner. “It’s all part of tennis.”

Analysis

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller

Some of the most thrilling moments in Davis Cup history have been presented by players not accustomed to competing for major titles. Nonetheless, it does the competition no disservice when two of the top four world players battle in the semi-final stage.

Jannik Sinner will one day be able to tell his grandchildren he beat Novak Djokovic three times in just 11 days.

Saving three match points in the singles was remarkable, as was the victory that ensued two games later. This was Djokovic’s first singles defeat for his country since the 2011 semi-final.

This was a commendable effort from both players who had contested the final of the ATP Finals in Turin just six days prior.

Facing four hours on court will put Sinner at a disadvantage in Sunday’s final, but Djokovic would envy being in that position.

His disappointment will be profound – but what a season he has had. Despite two defeats to Sinner in the past fortnight, he won 36 out of 39 singles matches from the start of the French Open, a commendable feat at 36 years of age.