Italy Sweeps Croatia in Davis Cup Opener

By Alberto Amalfi | Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Matteo Berrettini missed his connection to Italian fans.

Today, Berrettini made a winning homecoming.

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The 2021 Wimbledon finalist Berrettini beat Borna Coric 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-1 clinching Italy’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in Davis Cup Group A play in Bologna, Italy.

“It felt amazing. Yeah, I’m really happy that I had the chance to do it,” Berrettin said afterward. “Last year was tough to miss the Finals, obviously. Then the Davis Cup in Turin.

“Obviously I wanted to bring the point, but mostly I wanted to enjoy every single point out there. Yeah, unbelievable atmosphere. I felt the support. I had to miss also Rome this year, so I missed the Italian crowd. I’m so happy I brought the win as well.”

Sledgehammer time 🔨🇮🇹

Berrettini claims a 6-7(4) 6-2 6-1 blockbuster in Bologna #DavisCup #byRakuten | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/4tY94d9hM9

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 14, 2022

Earlier, Lorenzo Musetti staked the home side to a 1-0 lead dispatching Borna Gojo 6-4 6-2.

“I think the crowd is pretty special. I mean, it’s really an honor for me to share the court with my teammates, I mean, to be the first winner from Italy in this event,” Musetti said.

“I’m really proud of myself, and I’m happy with the win. I’m happy with the game that I showed. Now I’m going to try to cheer and support Matteo and the rest of the team.”

Italy is aiming to capture its second Davis Cup championship and first since 1976.

Fabio might have enjoyed that 😝@BolelliSimone and @fabiofogna make it a perfect day for Italy 3-6 7-5 7-6(3)#DavisCup #byRakuten | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/jnnVfFU9oC

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 14, 2022

Former Australian Open doubles champions Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli topped Croatia’s Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(3).