Table of Contents
- 1 First set: With serves, Jannik gives Italy the first set
- 2 Second set: break and counterbreak, then Sinner dominates
- 3 **PAA:** Drawing on her experience as a former professional player and Davis Cup champion, how does Sofia Bianchi assess the mental fortitude required for Sinner to thrive under pressure, particularly in the Davis Cup final?
Sinner closes the score on his own and delivers the 2024 Davis Cup, defeating Tallon Griekspoor in two sets. The world number one becomes the first player in history to win two Slams, ATP Finals and Davis Cup in the same season. In Malaga there is the perfect culmination of a magical and perhaps not unrepeatable season for our champion.
First set: With serves, Jannik gives Italy the first setSecond set: break and counterbreak, then Sinner dominates
After the victory of Matteo Berrettini are Botic Van de Zandschulpthey took to the field Jannik Sinner e Tallon Greek track. For the Dutchman, currently 40 ATP, but with a best ranking of number 20, this is the eighteenth match against a top 10 and the twelfth against a top 5 in 2024. Considering his ranking, it is possible to guess that Griekspoor was enough unlucky this season: it’s certainly not one of those you have to prepare for by looking at the standings.
First set: With serves, Jannik gives Italy the first set
The beginning of the match serves us above all to appreciate and analyze the shot that Jannik himself declared to be the one with the most improvements during the year: the serve. Of the South Tyrolean’s first 5 service points, 4 were won with an ace. Sinner is the first to have to cancel break points: Griekspoor plays in a very solid and composed way from the baseline, but Jannik is very good at not giving in and staying level. The Dutchman probably plays some of the best tennis of his career, but the difference between him and Sinner is so large that the South Tyrolean still manages to hold his own. The Dutchman pushes himself to 5 all, becoming the first opponent of the blue to string together so many games in a single set in the space of two weeks (the last was Nole, who in Shanghai had lost the first set against Jannik for 7 games to 6). The final moments are usually Jannik’s bread and butter, That during the year he won exactly a third of the matches, breaking the tie in at least one set (thereby scoring the decisive break) at the last available moment (so at 4-all, 5-4 ahead and the opponent’s serve or when you win a set 7-5): Griekspoor still doesn’t give in, and with a fifth ace he sends the first set to a tie-break. The first mini-break belongs to Jannik, who starts well and at the changeover leads by 4 points to 2, with the Dutchman still having a point on serve. The distance extends with an incredible short ball from Sinner, until the first four set points are reached. The twelfth ace brings Italy the first set 7-6(2): Davis’ encore is getting ever closer.
Second set: break and counterbreak, then Sinner dominates
The Dutchman did not let himself be influenced by the outcome of the first set and continued to maintain a very high level. For some games, starting from the third, the match becomes even more competitive. After a couple of gross errors, although they were later recovered, Griekspoor conceded the first break point, immediately converted by Jannik. At the change of fieldthe Dutchman calls the physiotherapist for a problem with his right hand and in the meantime he complains, about no one in particular, to Captain Haarhuis. Physical problems don’t seem to hinder Griekspoor, who plays an excellent game and makes a masterful counterbreak: parity is put at risk again the next game, with Jannik finding the advantages with two break points. The first is saved, but in the one awarded subsequently, however, the Dutchman gets caught up in the tension, and after missing the first serve, he commits a very heavy double fault. From this moment Sinner not only runs away, but, in ram mode, sweeps away everything that passes in front of him: in addition to holding serve in the next game, Jannik gets a second break, advancing to just one game from the Davis Cup and to win it the blue will only have to win one service game. In the last game Sinner immediately takes the lead to 40 to 0, but it is legitimate that he can feel the tension too, and the game becomes more complicated than expected, reaching the advantage. On the fourth championship point, obtained with the advantages, Jannik’s serve is the winner: with the score 7-6(2) 6-2 it is official, Italy has won the Davis Cup for the second consecutive year!
**PAA:** Drawing on her experience as a former professional player and Davis Cup champion, how does Sofia Bianchi assess the mental fortitude required for Sinner to thrive under pressure, particularly in the Davis Cup final?
## World Today News: Interview with Experts
**Topic: Sinner’s Historic Double – The Davis Cup Triumph**
**Guests:**
* **Expert 1:** Marco Rossi, renowned tennis commentator and analyst
* **Expert 2:** Sofia Bianchi, former professional tennis player and Davis Cup champion
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Marco and Sofia. Today we’re celebrating a historic moment in Italian tennis. Jannik Sinner has just delivered his second Davis Cup victory, a feat never before achieved in a single season, alongside two Slam titles and the ATP Finals. Let’s dive into this remarkable achievement.
**Section 1: Sinner’s Dominant Season**
* **Interviewer:** Marco, looking at Sinner’s incredible 2024 season, what stands out to you most? Is this simply a culmination of talent blossoming, or is there something more at play?
* **Interviewer:** Sofia, you understand the pressures of top-level competition. Did you see this level of dominance coming from Sinner this year? What are the key ingredients that have propelled him to this historic accomplishment?
**Section 2: The Davis Cup Final**
* **Interviewer:** Marco, the article highlights Griekspoor’s impressive performance despite the loss. Can you break down key moments in the match that determined the outcome?
* **Interviewer:** Sofia, serving under pressure is often the defining moment in tight matches. Sinner seems to thrive in these situations. What makes his serve so potent, especially in the final set?
**Section 3: Legacy and Future Implications**
* **Interviewer:** Marco, how significant is this Davis Cup victory for Italian tennis?
What kind of legacy do you think Sinner is building, both nationally and internationally?
* **Interviewer:** Sofia, based on your experience, what advice would you give Sinner as he navigates this newfound level of success?
How can he maintain this momentum and continue to elevate his game?
**Section 4:
Looking Ahead**
* **Interviewer:** Both of you have witnessed exceptional moments in tennis history. Where do you see Sinner fitting into the pantheon of tennis greats? What potential does he have to make an even greater impact on the sport?
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marco and Sofia. Your insights have illuminated this record-breaking achievement. We’re all witnessing the rise of a true champion. Congratulations again to Jannik Sinner and the entire Italian team!
