Irony in tennis: 'food poisoning' as a strategy

Netherlands’ captain Paul Haarhuis has made an interesting comment about the potential upcoming contest against Italy. The team-based competition is moving towards the final stages where the remaining teams are batting to secure the ultimate prize.

One of the finalists in the competition has already been confirmed as the Netherlands defeated Germany with a score of 2-0. Botic VAN De Zandschulp gave a great initiative to his side as he defeated Daniel Altmaier with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. Tallon Griekspoor then completed the job after beating Jan-Lennard Struff with a score of 6-7, 7-4, 6-4.

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Dutch team captain Haarhuis has commented interestingly about their potential final opponent, Italy. In a rather humorous manner, he suggested that they would have to poison some of the food that Italy players would take to ensure that they would not be able to defend the title.

"We're playing so well, guys are getting confidence from these wins. But the other semifinalists are very tough teams,” he said. “Italy as defending champs with Sinner, I think we're going to have to poison some of the food over there we gotta come out with big balls on Sunday.”

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Italy are defending their title this year. They defeated Australia in the final with a score of 2-0 last year. Interestingly, Australia will be once again up against the defending champions in the semifinals this year. Italy defeated Argentina in the quarterfinal with a score of 2-1. World number one Jannik Sinner defeated Sebastian Baez in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-1. In the doubles category, Sinner and Matteo Berrettini defeated the pair of Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a score of 6-4, 7-5. On the other hand, Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated Ben Shelton with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 7-6. Later, Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson defeated the pair of Shelton and Taylor Fritz in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4.