Italy is the Davis Cup champion. Again. For the second consecutive year, the Italian team lifts the most prestigious trophy in team tennis, reaffirming its position at the top of the world rankings. In Malaga, the Azzurri, led by captain Filippo Volandri, defeat the Netherlands, consolidating their dominance and solidifying Italy’s place among the strongest nations in international tennis.
The decisive day begins with the return of Matteo Berrettini, finally recovered from the physical issues that hampered his previous season. The Italian, brought in at the last minute, delivers a solid and commanding performance against Van de Zandschulp, securing the first point for Italy with a 6-4, 6-2 victory. Berrettini regains his powerful serve and confidence from the baseline, proving that he can still be a decisive factor in key moments.
With Italy leading 1-0, the stage is set for the Azzurri’s number one player, Jannik Sinner, who faces Griekspoor. It’s a match full of déjà vu: the Dutchman, who had never beaten Jannik in their five previous encounters, hoped to reverse the trend on the most important day. Griekspoor starts strong, putting pressure on Sinner in the third game with two break points. But Jannik, with the calm and composure that has become his trademark, saves them with four consecutive points and a serve that gets him out of trouble. The first set goes to a tiebreak, where the South Tyrolean shows why he’s the best in the world: with variations, spectacular shots, and a 7-2 tiebreak win.
In the second set, Sinner is even more determined. The Italian breaks his opponent’s serve early in the third game and, despite a brief dip that allows the Dutchman to get back into the match, regains the decisive break thanks to a double fault by Griekspoor. At that point, with the crowd ecstatic and chanting “Olè Olè Olè, Sinner Sinner,” Jannik accelerates: another break and a final service game seal a 6-2 victory. With this win, Italy clinches its second consecutive Davis Cup title, following last year’s success. A feat that highlights the strength of a cohesive team, full of talent and capable of adapting to every challenge.
Italy’s 2-0 victory over the Netherlands gives the country its third Davis Cup title in history, following the triumphs of 1976 and 2023. This victory was built on the skill of the singles players but also on the teamwork that involved the entire squad, from veterans to young talents. The Italian crowd, who gathered in large numbers in Malaga, provided crucial support. Jannik Sinner, the true hero of this campaign, caps off a memorable 2024 with another victory, while Matteo Berrettini, after a tough year, finds his smile and a starring role. Then there’s captain Volandri, the mastermind behind the scenes, managing the team with intelligence and vision.
This victory not only cements Italy’s status as one of the world’s tennis powerhouses but also paves the way for future successes. With Sinner and Berrettini at the helm, and young talents like Musetti ready to step in, the future of Italian tennis looks brighter than ever. Today, Italy celebrates, knowing it has made history in the sport. As shown over the past two years, the sky is blue above the Davis Cup.
