Davis Cup ; Sinner beat Djokovic as Italy see off Serbia marching into the Finals

Malaga, 

Saturday, 25 November, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias 

Jannik Sinner got his chance to beat Novak Djokovic as Italy beat Serbia to set up a Davis Cup final against Australia on Sunday.

Sinner and Djokovic had last encountered in the ATP Finals last week where the World number one won on straight sets leaving Sinner in despair. 

During Saturday's Semi-final clash played in Spain, Serbia took the lead when Miomir Kecmanovic beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-1 in the first singles rubber.

But Sinner showed his class to beat world number one Djokovic 6-2 2-6 7-5 and level the tie.

Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego then defeated Djokovic and Kecmanovic 6-3 6-4 in the doubles to secure a thrilling victory.

Sinner was unplayable in the opening set as the 24-time Grand Slam champion looked uncharacteristically lost on court, but Djokovic hit back to level the match as his opponent's level dropped.

The deciding set was filled with quality, grit and drama in a raucous atmosphere and Sinner saved three match points from 5-4 and 40-0 down, then broke Djokovic before serving out the match.

That took the tie into the doubles, and Italy looked comfortable in taking the opening set.

Djokovic failed to respond to Sinner's groundstrokes leading Italy to its first Davis Cup Final in 25 years. 

Novak Djokovic held a 21-match winning streak at the Davis Cup before his loss to Jannik Sinner. 

 Italy will battle Australia in Sunday's Final.