Matteo Berrettini has put Italy ahead 1-0 against the Netherlands in the final of the Davis Cup by beating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-2.

The victory against Australia has brought Italy to the second consecutive Davis Cup final. Now focus on the next opponent: the Netherlands. Davis Cup, Italy's opponents in the final The Dutch

Jannik Sinner holding trophies above his head is an image tennis fans have become very accustomed to seeing in 2024 and it continued as Italy won its second straight Davis Cup on Sunday.

Italy's Jannik Sinner, center, holds the Davis Cup trophy by teammates after the final between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, as Italy wins its second consecutive Davis Cup title, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. Credit: AP/Manu Fernandez

Italy's Matteo Berrettini comfortably beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4 6-2 in the first singles clash of the Davis Cup final against the Netherlands on Sunday to hand the holders a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three tie.

Italy went nearly a quarter-century without winning the Davis Cup. Then along came Jannik Sinner, and now the country is celebrating its second consecutive title. The No. 1-ranked Sinner clinched the championship in the annual team event and capped his breakthrough season by beating Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (2),

Jannik Sinner capped an outstanding season by guiding Italy to a second successive Davis Cup title. The world number one defeated Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (2) 6-2 in Malaga to secure a 2-0 victory for the defending champions against the Netherlands.