Sinner sparks Italy comeback to reach Davis Cup semis

Italy have reached back-to-back semi-finals in the Davis Cup for the first time since three successive last-four appearances in 1996-98

Jannik Sinner powered Italy to a 2-1 comeback win against the Netherlands to secure a Davis Cup semi-final place.

However, world number four Sinner pulled Italy level with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 win over Tallon Griekspoor before partnering Lorenzo Sonego to victory in the deciding doubles.

Italy will next face Serbia, who beat Great Britain on Thursday evening.

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Sinner, who was beaten by Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals title match on Sunday, edged the opening set of his singles rubber against Griekspoor before racing through the second in 20 minutes.

Italy captain Filippo Volandri replaced Simone Bolelli with Sinner for the deciding doubles rubber, while Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis swapped in Griekspoor for Jean-Julien Rojer to partner Wesley Koolhof.

Sinner and Sonego won 6-3 6-4 to send Italy - winners in 1976 - into a second successive Davis Cup semi-final.

"It means a lot to me," Sinner said. "But more importantly we're through to the semi-finals. It's the first time I can experience this.

"We were under a lot of pressure. The decision to put us on the court for doubles, we have to give a lot of credit to the captain and the team... pushing us to the limit."

The semi-finals will be played on Friday and Saturday, before the champions of the 123-year-old men's team event are decided in Sunday's showpiece.

Finland versus Australia is Friday's semi-final, with Serbia and Italy in action on Sunday.

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