The quarterfinals of the 2021 Davis Cup Finals will be spread over four days, in three different cities. Turin plays host to the first quarterfinal tie on Monday where Italy takes on Croatia. The locals will be hoping to see Italy advance to the final four stage which will be played in Madrid. Jannik Sinner leads the charge for Italy, whilst Marin Cilic and the world leading doubles combination of Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic will be out to spoil the party. Which nation will prevail?
Davis Cup Finals, Quarterfinal: Italy vs Croatia
H2H: Croatia 2-1
Probable matchups:
Lorenzo Sonego vs Nino Serdarusic or Borna Gojo
Jannik Sinner vs Marin Cilic
Fabio Fognini / Simone Bolelli vs Nikola Mektic / Mate Pavic
Italy claimed a pair of 2-1 victories over the USA and Colombia to top Group E. Jannik Sinner was the star of each tie, winning both of singles matches in straight sets, smashing John Isner 6-2 6-0 before beating Daniel Elahi Galan 7-5 6-0. Croatia was even more dominant as they topped Group D thanks to a 3-0 win over Australia and a 2-1 victory against Hungary. Marin Cilic was upset by Zsombor Piros in Croatia’s only loss, whilst Mektic and Pavic have cruised through their matches in straight sets.
The Italians look to have the edge in each of the singles matches. They probably need to get the job done 2-0. Croatia will have the advantage in a deciding doubles match, no matter what combination the Italian’s come up with to face Mektic and Pavic. Sonego won each of his singles matches in the group stages and should be too strong for either Nino Serdarusic or Borna Gojo. The Italian’s will then be poised to secure victory when Jannik Sinner takes on Marin Cilic, Sinner is full of confidence at the moment and will likely to be too strong for Cilic who is coming off a shock loss to Zsombor Piros. If Croatia can sneak a win out of one of the singles matches then Mektic and Pavic should get the job done in the doubles. That seems unlikely, though, and Italy will likely avoid that scenario.
Prediction: Italy 2-0
Main Photo from Getty.
