Berrettini topples Kokkinakis, Italy one step away from Davis Cup final

Italy and Australia battle it out for a place in the Davis Cup final. The first to take to the court are Matteo Berrettini and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The two men are facing each other for the first time and will be looking to put their countries on the road to qualification.
Predictably, the first set is a tight affair.

Both men were solid on serve, but Berrettini managed to take Kokkinakis' serve at 5-5. The Australian's hand shook at the moment of conclusion, and he was able to come back and snatch a tie-break.

In the end, it was Berrettini who had the better of the nerves, taking the set eight points to six.

The second set got off to the same start, but this time Berrettini didn't let his lead slip. He broke at the right moment and was rewarded in the end.

He concluded the set by confirming the break he'd just obtained to equalize at one set all.

Berrettini accelerates at the end of the match, Italy takes the lead

The final set was just as indecisive. Both men increased their quality on serve (14 aces in total for the Italian and 12 for the Australian), but Berrettini produced a superb return game at 5-5.

He made a huge defensive move that disgusted the Australian. Three points later, he took Kokkinakis' serve.

Behind him, the Italian didn't waver this time, finally concluding the match (6-7[6], 6-3, 7-5) with a final ace for the road.

Italy are now just one win away from the final against the Netherlands. Should Sinner beat De Minaur, the Squadra Azzurra will defend their title tomorrow.