Italians Making Push In Melbourne, Sinner Seeks Second Straight ATP Title
It’s a big day for Italy Down Under in Melbourne. Italy will walk away with at least one ATP title and maybe two.
In the ATP Cup final, powered by Matteo Berrettini, Italy will meet the Russia and Daniil Medvedev. In the semifinals, Italy downed Spain who was without Rafael Nadal as Berrettini beat Roberto Bautista Agut while Fabio Fognini earned his first career win over Pablo Carreno Busta.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Berrettini said. “Last year I couldn’t make it, so I’m really happy that the first time that I played we are into the final. The job is not done yet, but we are really happy for what is happening.
“I’m feeling good. I’m feeling pumped. I’m feeling great to play not just for me, but for my team and for Italy in general. That’s what matters the most,” Berrettini added. “I’m really looking forward to playing tomorrow.”
Russia eased past Germany 2-1 with Daniil Medvedev edged Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev holding off Jan-Lennard Struff.
“We’re really happy to get the win, that’s the most important,” Medvedev said. “Tough matches both of us. Both lost the first set. Not easy, because we had two days off before the match… But happy we’re in the final. That’s the most important.”
An Italian will win the Great Ocean Road Open as Jannik Sinner will look to win his second straight title against countryman Stefano Travaglia.
Sinner won with a tight victory over Karen Khachanov 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4) in 3 hours, 7 minutes, saving a match point in the third on his serve.
“A lot of credit [goes to Khachanov]. We had a great battle at the US Open as well, 7-6 in the fifth. He is a great player… and I am very happy to be in the final,” said Sinner.
“It’s great to see for Italy many players, many great players. I think everyone pushes each other a little bit,” Sinner added. “Everyone is playing very, very good tennis. Everyone is different as player, so I think it’s great to see… having quite a big amount of players.”
Sinner is slated to return to play Monday in Melbourne against Denis Shapovalov in a tough first rounder.
Travaglia ousted Thiago Monteiro of Brazil 6-3, 6-4.
At the Murray River Open, someone will win a first career ATP Finals. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Dan Evans both swept their semifinals to reach the title match. Auger-Aliassime is 0-6 (0-12 in sets) in ATP finals.
“I’m playing well and feeling healthy. I am trying to finish the week strong. I need to keep doing the things I’m doing well. I need to serve well and be dominant tomorrow,” said the Canadian who saved a match point in the third round.
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