The Italian Matteo Arnaldi suffered more than expected on Wednesday against Brazilian Thiago Monteirowhom he had to defeat in the tie-break of the third set to seal Italy’s victory over Brazil in the group stage of the Davis Cup.
Matteo Berrettini’s winner hours earlier against Joao Fonseca set the day for Italy at the headquarters of Bologna, in his first match as the current champion of the ‘Salad Bowl’ tournament. Arnaldi, number 33, started as a big favorite against 76 in the ranking, but found himself in a battle of almost 4 hours of maximum equality.
With very close results of 7-5, 6-7 (4) and 7-6 (5), Italy proved its success on the first day where the doubles could take advantage to close the ‘treble’ and put Italy in the lead . group solo.
Arnaldi took the first bid in the final game, taking advantage of the second set point; and he lost his second resoundingly by firing a 5-2 lead that extended the set to the first of the tie-breaks and gave a boost to a Monteiro who knew how to manage his options for the edge of victory .
He lost the tiebreaker at that critical moment, but the Brazilian revolt was not allowed as the third set was also decided in a tie-break after the set was tied.
Only the top two from a group consisting of the Netherlands and Belgium will progress to the final, which will be held in Malaga in November.
Source: La Verdad
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