Following Rafael Nadal’s retirement, all eyes are now on Jannik Sinner as the Davis Cup Finals heat up in Malaga. The world number one leads Italy on Thursday against Argentina to defend their 2023 title, while the USA and Australia press forward in the competition that has been noticeably quieter without Spain’s presence.
Spain’s shocking exit on home soil just two days after Nadal’s farewell left fans in Malaga stunned. However, the tournament marches on, with Sinner headlining the action at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena.
Wednesday’s matches saw Germany, minus Alexander Zverev, dominate Canada. Daniel Altmaier and Jan-Lennard Struff secured three-set victories against Gabriel Diallo and Denis Shapovalov, respectively. Germany now faces the Netherlands in Friday’s quarter-finals.
Despite the initial disappointment, Malaga has embraced its tennis-filled week, with attendance on the Mediterranean coast exceeding summer levels, according to the city council. The highlight comes on Thursday at 17:00 CET, as Italy, led by Sinner, faces a spirited but outmatched Argentina.
Italy’s Depth a Key Advantage
Italy enters as a firm favourite. Fresh from his ATP Finals victory, Sinner is supported by Lorenzo Musetti, world-ranked 16th, and a strong doubles duo of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori, semi-finalists at the Nitto ATP Finals.
Team captain Filippo Volandri acknowledged the challenge but exuded confidence. “This year is different, but we are even more focused. Conditions vary, but our players adapt quickly. We are ready and proud,” he said.
Argentina, South America’s lone representative, aims to surprise despite lacking the star power of their 2016 Davis Cup-winning side led by Juan Martin del Potro. Captain Guillermo Coria has yet to decide whether Francisco Cerúndolo or Tomás Etcheverry will face Musetti. Meanwhile, Sebastián Báez, ranked 27th, faces the monumental task of toppling Sinner.
Doubles Could Be Decisive
If the tie comes down to doubles, Italy’s in-form pairing of Bolelli and Vavassori holds the edge over Argentina’s seasoned duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni, despite their solid rankings of 21st and 22nd.
Italy is enjoying an unprecedented golden era in tennis, with last year’s Davis Cup triumph followed by the women’s Billie Jean King Cup win this week. Sinner and his team are aware that Spain’s exit has boosted their chances, but they remain wary of Davis Cup’s reputation for upsets.
For now, the Italians are focused on overcoming Argentina and eyeing a potential semi-final clash with the United States or Australia.
