Italy returns to the Davis Cup final after epic battle
Italy, the current two-time champion, secured its place in the Davis Cup final thanks to the outstanding performance of Flavio Cobolli. Cobolli defeated Zizou Bergs of Belgium with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (15) in a dramatic semifinal match. The Italian tennis player achieved victory after saving seven match points, demonstrating remarkable resilience. After squandering six opportunities to close out the match, Cobolli finally secured the victory for Italy. The celebration included taking off his shirt and sharing the joy with his teammates. The tiebreaker of the final set, with a score of 17-15, became the sixth longest in Davis Cup history.Cobolli gave Italy an insurmountable 2-0 lead, without the need to play the doubles match. Previously, Matteo Berrettini contributed to the Italian victory by defeating Raphael Collignon with a score of 6-3, 6-4.We fought for our country, for this victory, but in the end, I realized my dream. I played for my whole team, my family, and it’s one of the best days of my life.
Flavio Cobolli
For Berrettini, it was a calmer match, securing the first set on his serve against Collignon. The Davis Cup Finals 8 is the sixth edition of the renewed event, where the champion is defined at a neutral venue.In my five years as captain, I had never seen anything like it. But this is what the Davis Cup does. It was incredible. In the end, I told [Cobolli], it’s 5% tactics and 95% heart.
Filippo Volandri
