Davis Cup Finals: Matteo Berrettini sends Italy one away from final after Kokkinakis spectacle

Matteo Berrettini has sent Italy one away from a final with the Netherlands at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals after taking dwon Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 in favour of the Italian.

Jannik Sinner now has the chance in a showdown with Alex de Minaur to send Italy through without having to play doubles. Berrettini though as he did in the doubles with Sinner came to the fore. He was not picked for the singles last time out as Lorenzo Musetti lost out.

Italy were not going to make the same mistake next time around as Berrettini instead was picked to face Kokkinakis who has starred for Australia thus far over the past week. He made a superb start winning the opening tie-break narrowly. Berrettini gained the opening impetus going 6-5 up but he spurned a set-point.

Kokkinakis though came from 5-3 and 6-4 down to win the tie-break showing grit and passion to send Australia ahead. The second set saw Berrettini go 5-3 up after it was back and forth between them all set and it held the key as he claimed the second set to hoist himself back into contention. He also broke at the right time during the second set going 6-5 up before then claiming the win.

Now De Minaur faces an uphill battle as he faces off against Sinner who of course is then in-form World No.1.