Italy has achieved a remarkable milestone in tennis history. Under the guidance of Filippo Volandri, the national team became the first country since 1972 to win the Davis Cup three times in a row. This extraordinary success came even without two of its brightest stars, Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. The decisive points were secured by Flavio Cobolli, who mounted a stunning comeback against Jaume Munar, and Matteo Berrettini, who defeated Pablo Carreno Busta.
The victory at Bologna’s Fiera, celebrated by 10,000 ecstatic fans, marked Italy’s third consecutive Davis Cup triumph and the first without Sinner. Cobolli’s resilience and Berrettini’s consistency sealed the 2-0 win over Spain, igniting scenes of jubilation across the arena.
Cobolli’s Comeback
Flavio Cobolli’s match against Munar was a rollercoaster. Less than two months earlier, Munar had defeated him in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters 1000. In Bologna, however, the atmosphere and support transformed Cobolli’s performance.
The first set was dominated by Munar, who displayed flawless serving and relentless defense, closing it 6-1 in just 34 minutes. Cobolli struggled with errors and nerves, unable to capitalize on five break points.
The second set shifted momentum. After an interruption due to a spectator’s health issue, Cobolli found courage. A fortunate net cord helped him secure a break, and his aggressive play began to unsettle Munar. The Roman player forced a tie-break, where his powerful forehand finally broke through. Cobolli clinched the set 7-6, leveling the match.
Decisive Third Set
The final set was a battle of nerves. Both players held serve until 5-5, when Munar faltered. Cobolli seized the opportunity, breaking decisively and closing the match 7-5. His victory not only secured Italy’s triumph over Spain but also highlighted his growing maturity on the international stage.
Berrettini’s Contribution
Earlier, Matteo Berrettini had set the tone with a solid win over Carreno Busta. His performance gave Italy the initial lead, allowing Cobolli to play with determination rather than desperation. Berrettini’s ability to deliver in crucial moments continues to be a cornerstone of Italy’s Davis Cup success.
Celebration and Legacy
The Italian team’s achievement resonates deeply in the tennis world. Winning three consecutive Davis Cups places them among the sport’s elite nations. The absence of Sinner and Musetti made the victory even more significant, showcasing the depth and resilience of Volandri’s squad.
Italy’s Davis Cup streak is now part of tennis history, a symbol of collective effort, resilience, and national pride.