Italy oust Austria to reach 4th straight Davis SF

Defending champion Italy powered into a fourth consecutive Davis Cup semi-final while doing without the “A” team pair of Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday.

The 2-0 Bologna success over neighboring Austria came thanks to straight-set sweeps from Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Cobolli.

Sinner said weeks ago he would not be available for the home title defence, preferring to rest his body and begin preparations for 2026. 

Musetti, another top 10 Italian,had to withdraw due the physical strain of reaching the Athens final before tackling last week’s ATP Finals in Turin, where he went 1-2 in group play.

Berrettini started the tie for Italy as he dispatched Jirij Rodionov  6-3, 7-6 (4) while Cobollin completed the victory sweep with a 6-1, 6-3 result against Filip Misolic.

Italy moved into a semi against Belgium which upset France at the eight-nation wrapup for the international team event.

Berrettini, a Wimbledon finalist and former world No. 6 who has suffered through several seasons of injuries, won all six of his Davis matches last season.

“I was really happy to step on court. I was really happy actually to be called first, then to come here, enjoy this atmosphere, the team, teammates, my good friends. It’s just so special for me,” he said.

“Really one of the reasons why I’m playing tennis is to feel this kind of energy, to feel these kind of emotions. I’m really happy. 

“Then obviously I’m happy that I won. I’m not just playing for myself, but for my team, for my country.”

Berrettini dominated the opening set but had to wait out a lengthy stadium lighting problem in the second set before saving three set points in the second set on his way to victory in a tiebreaker.

“I’m wise enough tennis-wise to know that games like that can happen”, he said. “With my serve, I can hold regardless of the score. 

“I told myself to take one point at a time. I served well. I think I was really clutch. I’m glad for that.”

Cobolli began with a break against Misolic as he sealed the 12th win on a row for Italy, winner of the last two Davis editions.