Jannik Sinner shines as Italy advances to Serbia semi-final showdown

Jannik Sinner has powered Italy to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against the Netherlands, securing a spot in the Davis Cup semi-finals.

The Dutch team took an early lead in Malaga when Botic van de Zandschulp beat Matteo Arnaldi 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 7-6 (9-7). However, world number four Sinner pulled Italy level with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 win over Tallon Griekspoor before partnering Lorenzo Sonego to victory in the deciding doubles.

Italy’s next challenge will be against Serbia, who beat Great Britain on Thursday evening.

Sinner, who narrowly missed victory against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals title match, displayed his prowess by edging the opening set of his singles rubber against Griekspoor before racing through the second set in just 20 minutes.

Italy captain Filippo Volandri made a tactical decision to replace Simone Bolelli with Sinner for the deciding doubles rubber, while Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis opted for Jean-Julien Rojer to partner Wesley Koolhof over Griekspoor.

Sinner and Sonego emerged victorious with a score of 6-3 6-4, securing Italy’s second successive Davis Cup semi-final. “It means a lot to me,” Sinner stated. “But more importantly, we’re through to the semi-finals. It’s the first time I can experience this. We were under a lot of pressure. The decision to put us on the court for the doubles, we have to give a lot of credit to the captain and the team… pushing us to the limit.”

The semi-finals are set to take place on Friday and Saturday, with the winners being determined in Sunday’s showpiece. Friday’s semi-final will feature Finland versus Australia, and Serbia and Italy will face each other on Sunday.