Italy has once again established itself as a force to be reckoned with in international tennis, clinching the Davis Cup title for the third consecutive year. In a thrilling showdown at the SuperTennis Arena in Bologna, Flavio Cobolli fought valiantly to overcome Jaume Munar, triumphing with a score of 1-6, 7-6(5), 7-5. This victory sealed a decisive 2-0 win for Italy over Spain in the final.
Matteo Berrettini had previously set the tone for the Italian team by defeating Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3, 6-4 in the opening match, giving Italy a crucial lead. Cobolli’s dramatic comeback in the final match was a testament to his resilience and determination, especially as he had fallen short against Munar in their previous encounter just two months prior at the Shanghai Masters.
Post-match, Cobolli expressed his elation and disbelief, saying, “It’s impossible to describe these feelings. I dreamed a lot of this night.” He acknowledged the talent of his opponent, stating, “Jaume played so good. We cannot lose for our countries if you give all of what you have in your heart.” His fervor on the court was palpable as he later celebrated with his teammates, all of whom surrounded him in joyful jubilation.
Ranked 22nd in the world, Cobolli exemplified the spirit of a champion throughout the tournament. He had already demonstrated his mettle in the semifinals by saving seven match points in an epic battle against Zizou Bergs, cementing Italy’s place in the final. Reflecting on his performance, he shared how he tapped into his inner strength. “I looked at my bench and I found something on my body and my heart and I gave everything for this team,” he said.
This year’s final was marked by the absence of both teams’ top stars. Spain missed world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz due to a hamstring injury, while their captain, David Ferrer, opted not to include Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the lineup. For Italy, defending champion Jannik Sinner and No. 8 ranked Lorenzo Musetti were also unavailable, yet their teammates rose to the occasion remarkably.
Filippo Volandri, Italy’s captain, could not hold back his tears of joy after the team’s impressive run, which saw Italy not lose a single match throughout the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. He noted, “It’s the third win in a row, but I’m crying and I didn’t cry for the first one. It’s unbelievable,” emphasizing the unity of his squad and the strength of their teamwork.
Despite their defeat, Spain’s Munar showcased his talent and effort throughout the day. In the first set, he took control early on, displaying remarkable shot-making that caught Cobolli off guard. However, after a shaky start, Cobolli regrouped, turning the match around with his powerful forehand.
The final match lasted nearly three hours and featured tense moments, particularly in the second set where Cobolli rallied from behind. With the pressure mounting, he demonstrated composure in the tiebreaker, winning it decisively and carrying that momentum into the final set. His ability to maintain focus and power through the closing game underscored the grit that defined Italy’s performance.
With this title, Italy now has a total of four Davis Cup victories, a fitting achievement that echoes the glory days of the past when legends like Adriano Panatta led the country to triumph. The victory not only highlighted Italy’s current prowess in tennis but also paved the way for future glory in international competitions, setting the stage for an exciting new era in Italian tennis.
