Berrettini gets Italy off to a perfect start in the Davis Cup final
Italy already has one hand on the cup. The overwhelming favourites for the Davis Cup final, the Transalps got things off to a perfect start by taking the lead thanks to Matteo Berrettini's authoritative victory over Botic Van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-2).
The Italian colossus played a full match and didn't disappoint. Impressive on serve (14 aces, 0 break points conceded) and overpowering in the exchange, Berrettini totally smothered his opponent, who exploded at the end of the match.
The Netherlands now have their backs against the wall more than ever, as they will have to rely on a crazy feat if they are to claim the world title: a Tallon Griekspoor victory over Jannik Sinner.
The only hope for the Dutch: the pressure of a historic double for Italy.
Will the world's No. 1 shiver? Will the Italians confirm their current domination of the tennis world?
The answer is imminent!
When tennis stars change courts: from Noah the singer to Safin the deputy, another match – the battle of reinvention
As a laboratory for tomorrow’s tennis, does the Next Gen Masters have a future?
Tennis: the little-known truths about the offseason, between rest, stress and physical survival
What if tennis lost its soul? The case of robotized officiating, between tradition and a dehumanized modernity