Jannik Sinner leads Italy to back-to-back Davis Cup triumphs

Jannik Sinner capped an extraordinary year by guiding Italy to a successful defence of their Davis Cup title with victory over the Netherlands in the final on Sunday.

The world number one sealed the triumph with a commanding 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, securing the decisive point after Matteo Berrettini had given Italy the lead with a 6-4, 6-2 win against Botic van de Zandschulp.

Sinner ends a stellar 2024 season with titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, further cementing his place at the pinnacle of men's tennis.

"The whole team is amazing. We tried to defend our title, and we've done it, so we're extremely happy. There's a lot of work behind it," said Sinner after Italy clinched their third Davis Cup crown.

Italy became the first team to successfully defend the title since the Czech Republic in 2013 and joined an elite group of nations to win both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup in the same season.

The final, held at the Martin Carpena arena, featured a lively atmosphere with strong Italian support countered by an orange sea of Dutch fans. For the Netherlands, it was their first final in 104 years, but Sinner proved too formidable in his current form.

Sinner's Dominance Continues

Griekspoor, ranked 40th, pushed Sinner early, forcing him to save two break points and taking the first set to a tie-break. However, Sinner's precision and power saw him secure an early mini-break, and he closed the set with his 12th ace.

In the second set, Sinner broke Griekspoor twice, the second time after a costly double fault from the Dutchman. A final unreturnable serve on his fourth match point sealed the victory.

"I had no other option than playing a high-level match," said Griekspoor. "Jannik is very tough to beat, especially with the season he's had—he deserves all of it."

Berrettini Shines in Return to Davis Cup

Berrettini, who missed Italy's 2023 title run due to injury, played a crucial role in their defence this year. The world number 35 dispatched Van de Zandschulp in 76 minutes, delivering 10 forehand winners and 16 aces.

"It feels unbelievable to be on court. Winning is better, but being healthy and enjoying this atmosphere is the most important thing for me because I missed that," said Berrettini.

After edging the first set, Berrettini dominated the second, breaking in the third and seventh games to set up Sinner for the decisive win.

Dutch Disappointment

Netherlands captain Paul Haarhuis, part of the last Dutch team to reach the semi-finals in 2001, expressed mixed emotions.

"I don't have a love relationship with second place; I have a hate relationship with second place," Haarhuis said. "Even though I'm unbelievably proud of the guys, for now, it feels terrible."

Despite their valiant effort, the Dutch had no answer to an Italian team spearheaded by an in-form Sinner and an inspired Berrettini, as Italy continued to dominate the international tennis stage.