Two veteran Italian doubles specialists, aged 37 and 35, who began their Davis Cup journey together fifteen years earlier, Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, delivered a key victory on Thursday, clinching a semifinal berth for Italy. They defeated the American pairing Tommy Paul and Jack Sock with straight sets, 6-4 and 6-4, at the decisive moment of doubles play, turning the tide in Italy’s favor at a crucial juncture.
Backed by their refined serving and net play, the Italians seized the edge in a tightly contested tie, avenging earlier matchups by taking the edge in the overall tie after Lorenzo Sonego had already defeated Frances Tiafoe 6-3 and 7-6 (7) and American Taylor Fritz faced Lorenzo Musetti, a clash that saw Musetti edge Fritz 7-6 (8) and 6-3, illustrating the depth of Italian form across singles and doubles.
Looking ahead, the semifinal opponent for Italy would be decided by the outcome of the match between Germany and Canada, a confrontation scheduled for Thursday that would determine which team would push the Italians into the final four. The Italians anticipated that potential clash with a mixture of confidence and focus, knowing the path through the bracket would demand peak performance from every position on the court.
Remarkably, Italy reached the Davis Cup semifinals without the services of their two star players, Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini, both sidelined by injuries. If either can return in the second week, and if coach Filippo Volandri believes they can contribute, their inclusion could strengthen Italy’s chances even further as the campaign progresses toward the title round.
These semifinals mark Italy’s first appearance in the last four since 2014, a milestone achieved after years of close contenders and strong team effort. The nation had previously claimed the title only once, in 1976, underscoring the significance of the current run and the work ethic fueling it.
In contrast, the United States, a nation with a storied Davis Cup past and a record haul of titles, found themselves at a crossroads in this edition. The American team, historically dominant with a trophy cabinet that includes numerous victories, entered the semifinal stage with modest expectations by their own standards, having not lifted the trophy since 2007 despite their deep bench and rich history in the event.
Rajeev Coach, ranked among the world’s elite doubles specialists, had just claimed the ATP crown in Turin, a testament to the ongoing strength of the American tennis system, yet he did not travel to Malaga for the event as initially anticipated. Paul, stepping into his first competitive doubles match at a Davis Cup, carried memories of his debut in 2020 into a match that carried high stakes and a demanding pace, underscoring the complexity of balancing singles and doubles duties on such a stage.
Bolelli and Fognini worked from the opening serve as if they had rediscovered a sixth sense for doubles strategy. They dictated a rhythm that kept their opponents on the back foot, the Italian duo employing a disciplined serve-and-volley approach and precise ball placement on crucial points. After holding serve in a tense stretch, they pressed the action with an aggressive return game, closing out the decisive game to secure the set and tilt the momentum in their favor.
The pair carried this momentum into the following quarter, converting pressure into tangible advantage with timely breaks and smart court craft. A classic Fognini volley at a pivotal 5-4 moment sealed the set, and the crowd, energized by the sea of blue in the stands of Martín Carpena, erupted in celebration as the Italians sealed the match and booked a place in the semifinals.
The opening day had begun with a dramatic display from Sonego and Tiafoe, a match that Italy won 1-0 with a 6-3, 7-6 (7) scoreline. It was a showcase of aggressive, fearless tennis, with both players unleashing relentless offense. Sonego, occupying the 45th spot in the world rankings, held serve with unwavering precision, turning the pressure onto his opponent and converting the opportunities that arose from the American’s persisted pace. Tiafoe, a young and talented competitor, did not shy away from the challenge, pushing the tempo and refusing to relinquish the court’s center stage to his Italian counterpart.
In that demanding battle, Sonego created four decisive breakpoints that he converted or forced through by exploiting his variety and aggression. He attacked second serves, mixed in drop shots, and moved the rally to the net, taking control at the critical moments and shaping the narrative for the day.
Speaking after the match, Sonego reflected on the shift in his own game, noting that his approach had become more aggressive than it was two years prior. He emphasized the importance of attacking on return and maintaining pressure on the service line, especially when facing a challenger like Paris or a similarly tough opponent in other venues. The increased tempo and resolute mindset were evident as he recaptured a form that carried him through the decisive moments of the tie.
Meanwhile, Musetti, who had climbed to the top rung among his countrymen in the absence of Sinner, faced a stern test against Fritz. The malaga-based standout, who had reached the masters-level semifinal in Turin, found the challenge formidable. The match unfolded quickly, with Fritz narrowly escaping a bag of early chances to force a long and punishing tiebreak that extended beyond standard pacing. The tiebreak, eventually decided by a 10-8 margin, underscored the high level of play and the precarious balance of momentum in a best-of-three format that can pivot with a single point.
As the set concluded, Musetti found himself unable to swing the momentum in the second frame. Fritz capitalized on a timely break to move ahead and consolidate the advantage, sealing the match and leaving Musetti to reflect on the adjustments needed to convert such tight margins into a second-set victory. The result highlighted the depth in Fritz’s game and the resilience he demonstrated in the face of stiff competition, while Musetti continued to emerge as a rising force capable of challenging the very best on the world stage.
In the end, Italian doubles mastery proved pivotal as they secured a decisive victory that advanced them toward the semifinals and cemented their reputation as a force within the Davis Cup. The players showcased a blend of experience, tactical acumen, and national pride that energized the Italian camp and left fans eager for the next chapter of this gripping competition.