Davis Cup 2022: The USA’s attempt to win a record-extending 33rd Davis Cup title failed when they were defeated by Italy in a doubles decider on Thursday in Malaga.
Simon Bolelli and Fabio Fognini of Italy defeated Tommy Paul and Jack Sock 6-4 6-4 to secure a 2-1 victory and Italy’s first semi-final appearance in eight years, where they will take on Canada, who defeated Germany.
The singles matches were split between the two countries. Lorenzo Sonego gave Italy the early lead by defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-3 7-6 (9-7) before Taylor Fritz defeated Lorenzo Musetti 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 to tie the match for the USA.
Due to Croatia and Australia’s 2-0 victories against Spain and the Netherlands earlier this week, respectively, and their quarterfinal matchup against Australia, a doubles matchup was required for the first time this season.
To help Italy win its first Davis Cup championship since 1976, Bolelli and Fognini broke Paul and Sock once in each set.
As stated by captain Mardy Fish: “I have wanted to win this thing for a very long time as a player and captain, the USA hasn’t won the Davis Cup since 2007.
“It stinks that it won’t happen this year. It’s disappointing that we won’t be taking the trophy home.
Canada upsets Germany’s doubles team to get to the semifinals
In the second semi-final on Thursday, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil defeated Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 2-6 6-3 6-3 to force a second-ever Davis Cup defeat, forcing a decisive doubles match.
Krawietz and Puetz had triumphed in each of their previous eight competition matches together, but they lost to Canada as Shapovalov made up for his earlier loss to Jan-Lennard Struff in the singles.
The World No. 18 Shapovalov lost a shocking match to Struff, 3-6 6-4 6-7 (2-7), but Canada bounced back and forced a rubber match when Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Oscar Otte 7-6 (7-1) 6-4.
Krawietz and Puetz won the first set in the doubles match, but Canada fought back to secure a meeting with Italy in the round of 16 on Saturday and maintain their chances of winning their first Davis Cup title. To date, they have finished second to Spain in 2019, which was their best performance.
The first semi-final, which features Croatia and Australia, will be played on Friday. The final will follow on Sunday.
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