(Reuters) – Jannik Sinner has expressed his readiness to handle the expectations of the Davis Cup Finals, following his outstanding performance that helped Italy beat the Netherlands 2-1 and secure a spot in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year. Sinner, who arrived in Malaga after losing to Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals, defeated Tallon Griekspoor to level the tie at 1-1 before teaming up with Lorenzo Sonego to defeat Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in the doubles match.
The world number four was not originally scheduled to compete in the doubles match, and had not played alongside Sonego since their defeat at Indian Wells in March. However, the duo’s seamless performance has secured Italy’s place in the last four, where they will face Serbia on Saturday. “Pressure is a privilege to have. There are not so many players who have this privilege,” Sinner said. “Davis Cup pressure is different, because you know that you have a big responsibility, because you don’t have many chances.
“Despite a slightly slow start in the first set, I came here with confidence and tried to keep going,” Sinner said. He also mentioned that the team event at the end of the year is giving him good energy. Italy, having previously won the trophy in 1976, are aiming to secure their second Davis Cup title, and Sinner expressed optimism about their chances. “We’re doing all the right things,” he added. “We’re a big family and showed it. Everyone is giving 100%. That’s the least players can do, especially when they play for the country.” (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
