Italy have taken a major step towards securing a third consecutive Davis Cup crown, thanks to a magnificent performance from Flavio Cobolli. In a gripping semi-final encounter, the Italian defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6–3, 6–7 (5–7), 7–6 (17–15), sending Italy back into the final once again.
The final-set tiebreak, which ended 17–15, will go down as the sixth-longest in the history of the tournament. The drama, intensity and physical toll of the battle made it one of the standout matches of this year’s competition.
Match Summary
| Set | Score |
|---|---|
| First Set | Cobolli 6–3 Bergs |
| Second Set | Bergs 7–6 (7–5) Cobolli |
| Third Set | Cobolli 7–6 (17–15) Bergs |
Ranked 22nd, Cobolli was pushed to the very limit by the 43rd-ranked Bergs, who showed tremendous resilience throughout the contest. Both players squandered multiple match points in the nerve-shredding final tiebreak, before Cobolli finally sealed victory with a brilliant service winner.
After the three-hour, four-minute battle, Cobolli celebrated emotionally with his teammates, removing his jersey in sheer relief and joy. In a moment of great sportsmanship, he immediately consoled a devastated Bergs, who was seen in tears after the heartbreaking defeat.
Earlier in the day, Italy had taken a 1–0 lead through Matteo Berrettini. The former Wimbledon finalist defeated Belgium’s Raphaël Collignon 6–3, 6–4 in the first singles match, putting Italy firmly in control. With Cobolli’s triumph in the second singles, Italy secured a 2–0 victory, making the doubles match unnecessary.
Italy, the reigning two-time champions, now stand just one win away from a historic hat-trick. In the final, they will face the winner of the Germany vs Spain semi-final.
In Other News: Gnabry Injury Worries Bayern
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are facing fresh concerns as Serge Gnabry has picked up a muscle injury. Despite featuring for Germany in their dominant 6–0 win over Slovakia, the winger suffered the injury during training upon his return to the club.
Head coach Vincent Kompany has confirmed that Gnabry is unlikely to be available for the upcoming match against Freiburg, though the club hopes he may return for the following fixture.