Just over a week after facing off in the final of Nitto ATP Finals, Jannick Sinner got his revenge over opponent Novak Djokovic on Saturday in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup. Down three match points, Sinner, saved his best for the last. He rallied to not only save three match points but came out all guns blazing to beat the Serbian 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 to keep his country’s hopes of making it to the the Davis Cup finals alive. The victory sparked emphatic celebrations in the Italian dugout because of the do-or-die nature of the game.
Jannick Sinner came out all guns blazing in the tie and dominated Djokovic in the first set. Earlier in the day, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti had lost to Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic. It resulted in Sinner vs Djokovic becoming a must win tie for Italy for them to avoid elimination from Davis Cup. Sinner, although, showed no signs of pressure. He produced some excellent forehand and backhand shots to beat Djokovic 6-2 in the first set.
Djokovic, the top-ranked player in Men’s Tennis, grew into the game in the second set. He broke the serve of Sinner twice in the second set, resulting in the Serbian winning the set 6-2.
The Serbian was on the top of his game. He looked all set to win the tie against Sinner to send Serbia into the finals. At one point of time in the third set, Sinner was defending three match points.
The Italian saved those match points before going on to break Djokovic’s serve immediately. After taking the upper hand, the Italian never looked back.
It was a sweet victory for Sinner after losing against Djokovic just a few days ago, and that probably added to Italy’s post-match celebration with the player. Sinner received a hero’s welcome in the dugout, with hugs and handshakes flowing all around.
The Davis Cup semi-final is at an interesting point. A crucial doubles rubber between Serbia and Italy will determine who will face Australia in the final on Sunday.
