It was senseless drama in the Malaga indoor arena that unleashed violent Italian joy. Miomir Kecmanovic had started by defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-7(9-7),6-2,6-1 to give Serbia a 1-0 lead in the semi-finals.
Then Djokovic had three match points at 5-4 and 40-0 in the third set on Sinner’s serve. He got out of the grip, broke immediately and served home the match himself: 6-2,2-6,7-5.
– It was clearly the key moment today. I just tried to push in every single point and the 0-40 game helped the confidence in the doubles as well. That’s how tennis can be, says Sinner according to Reuters.
First DC loss in twelve years for Djokovic
It wasn’t just match balls in the match but for the entire team competition. Now it went to a decisive double where Sinner in a pair with Lorenzo Sonego won against Djokovic/Kecmanovic with 6-3,6-4 and went to the final, the first in 25 years for Italy, against Australia, which will be played on Sunday.
For world number one Djokovic, who charged hard to take Serbia to the title, it was a hard blow and the first singles loss in the Davis Cup in twelve years. Djokovic was heckled by sections of the Italian fans and had no problem firing back in this heated match. During yesterday’s match against Great Britain, he asked the fans to “shut up”.
In the last twelve days, Sinner and Djokovic have met each other in three singles and one doubles.