Italy’s Jannick Sinner helps team advance to Davis Cup semifinals with doubles victory

MALAGA, Spain — Jannik Sinner’s impressive performance kept Italy in the Davis Cup as he secured a victory in his singles match and then teamed up with Lorenzo Sonego for a successful doubles win against the Netherlands, propelling their nation into the semifinals on Thursday.

Italy staged a remarkable comeback to claim a 2-1 win, earning a spot in the last-four for the second consecutive season. Last year, without Sinner, the Italians were knocked out by eventual champion Canada.

The Netherlands took the lead when Botic Van De Zandschulp fought back from two match points down to defeat Matteo Arnaldi 6-7 (6) 6-3 7-6 (7) in a thrilling opening singles match that lasted nearly 3 hours.

Ranked fourth, Sinner bounced back by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (3) 6-1, leveling the score at 1-1. He then joined forces with Sonego to defeat Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof 6-3, 6-4 in the decisive doubles match.

The 22-year-old Sinner’s victory comes on the heels of finishing as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals last week.

Italy’s sole Davis Cup title came in 1976, and now they will be seeking their first final appearance since 1998. Italy has reached the semifinals seven times in the 21st century.

The Netherlands, in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year, was aiming to match their best-ever performance from a semifinal appearance in 2001.

Italy is set to face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Novak Djokovic’s Serbia and Britain later Thursday.

On Friday, Australia and Finland will compete in the other semifinal match.