MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Italy showed a place in the semi-finals of the ATP Cup by winning both singles matches against France on Wednesday, while Germany took the opportunity to do no harm by leading a 2-0 win over Canada at the Rod. Laver Arena.
With the second edition of the national team tournament aired due to the Australian Open coronavirus quarantine, a win for Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berrettini in the singles along with Tuesday’s win over Austria ensured Italy would be at the top of Group C.
Fognini defeated Benoit Paire 6-1 7-6 (2) in the opening game of the day on John Cain Arena before Matteo Berrettini defeated Gael Monfils 6-4 6-2 to make the French doubles academic .
“We’re playing well, we have a lot of energy, we’re happy to be in the semi-finals,” Berrettini said.
“Last year, I didn’t play and unfortunately the boys couldn’t do it, so we’re really pumped. ”
If that groove was one-sided, the Germany-Canada Group tie would be anything but four of the five five sets in the two singles games decided by liaisons.
Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany took control of the first two and finished off Milos Raonic with a terrific blow for a 7-6 (4) 7-6 (2) victory that gave Germany a 1-0 lead in the their opening connection.
After a 2-1 loss to Serbia Novak Djokovic on Tuesday, Canada had to win the tie to stay alive in the tournament and Denis Shapovalov made a good start by taking the first set against Alexander Zverev.
Shapovalov, backed up after a loss to Djokovic, needed a shoulder treatment as Zverev lost in the world the contest in the second set, however.
Zverev, in his first game of the year, was warming up to his job in a tight decision set but was unable to turn seven rest points while Shapovalov dug deep.
Shapovalov’s chances in the break were decisive but non-critical error and a double fault at crucial times opened the door for Zverev and the German stormed through with his 14th and 15th aces for 6-7 (5) 6 -3 7-6 (4) effect.
Russia could join Italy in the semi-finals if they can beat Japan in their Group D qualifier later on Wednesday, while Greece play the their first Group B tie against a team in Australia who are against leaving early after a 3-0 closure on Tuesday at the hands of Spain.
Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Edited by Robert Birsel