Jannik Sinner ended an extraordinary 2024 season on a high by helping Italy retain the Davis Cup title.
The world number one continued his dominant year with a hard-fought 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory over Tallon Greek Spoor, securing a 2-0 victory against the Netherlands.
That came after Matteo Berrettini defeated Botic of de Zandschulp 6-4 6-2 to give Italy an early lead in Malaga.
It caps a triumphant week for rising tennis powerhouse Italy after the women’s team secured the Billie Jean King Cup title on Wednesday.
“We are very happy to be here again with this trophy. It feels like we are in Italy,” said Sinner.
“You experience a different pressure and a different weight when you have Italy on your shoulders. I think we handled that very well.
“If it wasn’t important, I wouldn’t be here. To me, it means so much to me.”
For Sinner, it caps a successful season that saw him claim his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in January and the US Open in September.
The 23-year-old, who also won the season-ending ATP Finals earlier this month, has lost just six of his 76 ATP Tour matches in the past 12 months.
However, he is also embroiled in an ongoing doping controversy, leaving his immediate future in the sport uncertain.
Sinner looked tired when forced into a tiebreak in the opening set against Greek Spoor, but emerged late in the second to seal Italy’s third Davis Cup victory with his fourth match point.
Italy becomes the sixth team to win consecutive Davis Cup titles since the final stage was introduced 52 years ago, and the first since the Czech Republic in 2013.
‘I missed these moments’ – Berrettini back to his best
Berrettini watched Italy’s 2023 victory from the sidelines as he recovered from an ankle injury suffered a few months earlier.
The former world number six was on the sidelines for six months and then dropped out of the world’s top 150.
However, he returned to action in March and quickly claimed three titles – the most he has ever won in a calendar year.
Berrettini is now ranked 35th and has been crucial to Italy’s title defense this week. Partnering Sinner, he won the doubles decider against Argentina before triumphing in his semi-final match against Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.
He repeated his good form against Van de Zandschulp, hitting 10 forehand winners and 16 aces on his way to victory.
“It feels incredible, it feels really great to be on the field. Being healthy and enjoying this kind of atmosphere is the most important thing for me,” Berrettini said.
“I missed these moments and that’s why I’m very happy.”
