Italy seeking to defend 2024 Davis Cup

Matteo Berrettini (Google Images)

In November of 2023, Italy won its second Davis Cup title all-time (first came in 1976), as they beat Australia 2-0 in Malaga, Spain. On Wednesday, Italy began its defense of the title with a win over Brazil at Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy.

In Group A action, the Italians got singles victories from Matteo Berrettini of Rome, and Matteo Arnaldi of Sanremo. Berrettini defeated Joao Fonseca 6-1, 7-6, and Arnaldi defeated Thiago Monteiro 7-5, 6-7, 7-6.

For Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, a key statistic in his win over Fonseca was aces. Berrettini had 10 aces, while Fonseca only had four. This was their first head-to-head meeting. Berrettini is currently ranked 43rd in the world, while Fonseca is currently ranked 158th.

Arnaldi, meanwhile, was facing Monteiro for the first time too. The key statistics in this match was the fact that Arnaldi broke Monteiro twice, (compared to only one break for Monteiro),  and the fact Arnaldi was the better player in the third set tiebreak, where he came out on top 7-5. Arnaldi is 33rd in the world. while Monteiro is 76th.

The most notable omission on the Italian team was the 2024 Australian Open champion, 2024 United States Open and world number one Janik Sinner of Innichen. However, Sinner’s absence is perfectly understandable, when he won the US Open just three days ago. It is safe to assume Sinner will be in Spain for the 2024 Davis Cup Final knockout stage in November if Italy qualifies.

Italy next plays Belgium on Thursday. They will then close out Group A action against the Netherlands on Sunday.