Retro - Davis Cup 2023: The Day Sinner Saved 3 Match Points Against Djokovic in the Semifinals
"There are nights when nothing seems impossible": that's likely how one could summarize what Italian tennis experienced in Malaga on November 25, 2023. In this Davis Cup semifinal between the Italian and Serbian teams, the face-off between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic delivered a true spectacle.
The match started explosively. Sinner imposed his rhythm to take the lead (6-2), but Djokovic, with his usual resilience, countered in the second set, also delivering a 6-2 to his rival and leveling the playing field.
Just as many in the arena thought the match would swing in favor of the Serbian champion, the script took an unexpected turn. With his back against the wall, Sinner trailed 4-5 in the third set and faced three match points for Djokovic.
But the Italian didn't falter. He saved all three, strung together winning shots, and turned the tables. He won the set 7-5, having claimed 13 of the last 16 points.
And as if that weren't enough, immediately afterward, Sinner, partnering with Lorenzo Sonego in doubles, defeated the Serbian team of Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanović in straight sets (6-3, 6-4), securing Italy's place in the final.
Thanks to this memorable victory, Italy qualified for its first Davis Cup final since 1998, which it would later win against Australia.
