How Sensational Sinner Led Italy to Davis Cup Victory against Australia

Italy’s Jannik Sinner claimed the Davis Cup for the first time since 1976, overpowering Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-0 to secure a 2-0 victory in Malaga on Sunday.

The world number four secured the win in the second singles match, while Matteo Arnaldi won the opening clash against Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.

Sinner, who defeated Novak Djokovic twice on Saturday, led Italy to victory against Serbia, showing that his country was capable of achieving success on an international stage.

The Italian demoralised the scampering De Minaur with a relentless performance, overpowering him with vicious ground-strokes to the delight of the majority of the packed Martin Carpena arena.

Australia’s wait for a Davis Cup trophy goes on, with their last win coming in 2003, while Italy celebrated wildly at the end of the tie.

Sinner’s exceptional performance in Malaga deserves special credit as he won all five rubbers he played in.

“I will find ways to get better, to be able to hurt these types of players,” said De Minaur, who also suffered disappointment with Australia in last year’s final.

Arnaldi, ranked 44th, had to cling on to beat Popyrin in the first match which ultimately resulted in a monumental victory for Italy in the Davis Cup.

“Victory completed a superb year for Italian tennis, after their women’s team finished as runners-up in the Billie Jean King Cup,” said the statement released by the Davis Cup organizers.