The sinner keeps the Azzurri alive – Tennis

Jannik Sinner scored an important victory for Italian tennis. © ANSA / Alessandro De Marco

Yannick Sener presented himself as energetic and passionate in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Monday night.

29. November 2021

Author: am

Young Sextner (ATP 10) was repeatedly led by the crowd at Turin’s Pala Alpitour Arena, and there were cheers at key points for Sinner. Even if it didn’t turn out well at times, the Azzuro finally won an important and deserved victory over Croatian Marin Cilic (ATP 30). After 2.45 hours and 3 sets he won 3:6, 7:6 (7:4), 6:3. South Tyrol managed to tie 1:1 in the quarter-final between Italy and Croatia. For the Azuri that was then Lorenzo Sonego lost to Croatian Borna Gogo Vital victory. Now the decision is made in doubles. Here, too, Italy is dependent on sin. Sextner plays at Fabio Fognini’s against Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic for a place in the semi-finals.

From the beginning, a variety tennis match was developed between Sinner and Cilic. In the fourth match, the 33-year-old Croatian advanced 3-1 with a break. After that they both got their services. Sinner was able to block 3 set pieces, but was no longer able to turn the group over. In the end, Cilic won the set he deserved – without Sinner even getting a chance to break.

In the second set, Cilic came back strong. The South Tyrol tennis player had a hard time and took a break in the first match. Then the Croatian confidently increased it to 2-0. The culprit had to admit his inferiority at this point in the game, and frustration spread. But Sinner kept fighting for every point, showing his mental strength, making contact with his serve, and then tying with his first break in this game. In the fifth inning, Sinner first took the lead and immediately afterwards had the opportunity to break, which he missed. The two now had an exciting match and forced each other to make mistakes repeatedly.

In the ninth game, Cilic was able to break the break to 5:4. But if you think the 20-year-old South Tyrolean is hanging your head now, you’ve learned better: Sinner took the lead with a 40:0 lead and turned the first breakout ball to 5 : 5. Next, they both played through their service game. The exciting game of tennis entered the tiebreak. Here Sinner made himself nervous and used the first set ball with a 6:4 score and serve.

The Croatian presented himself in good shape. © ANSA / Alessandro De Marco

In the third set, Sinner started like a fire brigade and took the break without giving up a single point. But the 33-year-old Croatian presented himself in strong form and immediately earned a recovery – Sinner managed to hold off 2 breakouts in this game. After that, they both beat to zero with their own serve. Time and time again Sinner cheered when he won points, flogging himself and the audience. In the seventh inning he had a break of 4: 3. Now the momentum was on the South Tyrol side. He easily played his service game (40:15), and immediately after that he had two break balls and a match. He could use the second: 6:3. The jubilation on Azzurri Bank knew no bounds, and the tie was brought to 1:1.

Jannik Şener attracted the audience with him. © ANSA / Alessandro De Marco

The decision to reach the semi-finals of the Davis Cup between Italy and Croatia was now taken in doubles. Here, too, Sinner must work again. Originally, Simon Bolelli was supposed to play the match alongside Fabio Fognini against Croatian duo Nikola Mektic/Mate Pavic. Shortly before the start of the match, the Italian national team decided to change and rely on the South Tyrol tennis player. It starts at 10:25 PM. The semi-finals and finals will be held in Madrid at the beginning of December.