Italy advanced with ease to the Davis Cup semi-finals after defeating Austria 2-0 on Wednesday evening.
Matteo Berrettini began proceedings with victory over Jurij Rodionov, fighting back from 2-5 in the second set to win 6-3, 7-6.
Flavio Cobolli, Italy’s top-ranked singles player at the event, completed the 2-0 triumph by defeating Filip Misolic 6-1, 6-3.
Italy, the nation attempting to produce a Davis Cup three-peat for the first time since 1970, will face Belgium in the semi-finals. Belgium defeated France in the quarter-finals.
The Italian team, who are without Jannik Sinner following his withdrawal, could look to Berrettini as their talismanic figure during this year’s campaign, given his excellent Davis Cup record.
Matteo Berrettini could become Italy’s key man at this year’s Davis Cup
Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini has an excellent Davis Cup record of 10-2.
The Italian, formerly world number six, proved yet again on Wednesday night why he is the man to lead Italy at this year’s tournament in Bologna.
The Italian won all six of his Davis Cup matches during Italy’s triumphant 2024 campaign, and he has continued in the same vein of form at this year’s Finals.
Berrettini is used to playing on the biggest stages, having reached the finals of Wimbledon and the Madrid Open in 2021.
He will be able to call on this experience in the Davis Cup semi-final, when Italy play Belgium.
Berrettini is the third-highest-ranked singles player on the Italian team, behind Cobolli and Lorenzo Sonego.
Therefore, it speaks volumes that captain Filippo Volandri trusts Berrettini in these big Davis Cup moments.
Matteo Berrettini reacts to his opening Davis Cup victory
After defeating Rodionov on Wednesday, Matteo Berrettini discussed the ‘privilege’ of playing for his country.
As per BBC Sport, Berrettini said: “When I play for my country I just think about trying to win the next point, trying to fight really hard for my team-mates, for everybody who is here and everyone who is watching from home.
“That’s the biggest privilege. If I win it’s better, but I try to enjoy being out there every time. It is something so special.”
If Italy defeats Belgium in the semi-finals, they will face one of Spain, Czechia, Germany or Argentina in the final.
