ATP Cup Australia v Italy
Australia faced Italy in their opening ties at the ATP Cup in Sydney.
Jannik Sinner faced Max Purcell after James Duckworth pulled out of the opening rubber due to hip soreness.
Sinner comfortably accounted for Purcell with a 6-1, 6-3 victory.
The two top-ranked players for their countries then faced each other in the second rubber.
World no. 7 Matteo Berrettini took on world no. 34 Alex de Minaur.
It was the Australian that took control of the match after taking the first set 6-3.
de Minaur was up a break in the second set before letting that slip before sealing the match in the tiebreaker. The final score was 6-3, 7-6(4).
That saw the tie decided in the doubles.
John Peers teamed up with Luke Saville against Berrettini and Simone Bolelli.
The Aussie duo got the first break and was able to ride that to 5-3, 40-15. The Italians saved the set point with a well-played lob that land on the line. Peers were then taken to deuce.
In doubles at the ATP Cup, it is the receiver’s choice as to who will receive, and it is a sudden death point.
Some great volleys saw Australia win that point and claim the first set.
The second set was a tight affair however the Australians were able to break Bolelli in the 11th game to serve for the set at 6-5.
It was Saville serving for the match.
Saville showed no sign of nerves as he served out to love for a 6-3, 7-5 victory. The win saw Australia take the tie 2-1.