Davis Cup: Sinner leads Italy to back-to-back titles with win over Netherlands

Malaga: Italy wrapped up a historic season by clinching their second consecutive Davis Cup title, and third in history, with a commanding 2-0 win over the Netherlands in the final. After Matteo Berrettini set the tone with a dominant victory, winning the first match 6-4, 6-2 against Botic van de Zandschulp, Jannik Sinner sealed the championship for Italy by defeating Tallon Griekspoor in two sets. The first set was closely contested, with Sinner winning 7-6, which included a tiebreak score of 7-2, followed by a more comfortable 6-2 win in the second set.

Sinner, who finished the 2024 season with an impressive 73-6 singles record, was quick to express his pride in the team's accomplishment. "Every year brings different emotions, but coming back as defending champions and winning again is truly one of the best feelings," Sinner said. "The whole team gave everything, and we're thrilled to lift the trophy once more. It's a great boost of confidence going into the preseason."

Italy's victory also marked a historic achievement, as they became the first country since Czechia in 2013 to defend the Davis Cup title. The Italians are just the fifth nation in history to win both the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup in the same year.

Italy captain Filippo Volandri praised his team’s effort, stating, “Winning twice in a row after our first victory in 47 years is simply amazing. From the start of this journey, we set out to make history, and we've done just that. I'm so proud of this team and what we've accomplished.”

For the Netherlands, this was their first-ever Davis Cup final in the competition's 104-year history. Despite the loss, it was a remarkable run for a team that reached the final for the first time.

With IANS inputs