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Sinner leads Italy to its first Davis Cup title in nearly 50 years with 2-0 win over Australia

The Italian Davis Cup team celebrate with the trophy after defeating Australia during the Davis Cup final tennis matches in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Italy are the 2023 World Champions Davis Cup winners. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) The Italian Davis Cup team celebrate with the trophy after defeating Australia during the Davis Cup final tennis matches in Malaga, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Italy are the 2023 World Champions Davis Cup winners. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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MALAGA, Spain -

Jannik Sinner capped his perfect week by leading Italy to its first Davis Cup title in nearly five decades.

Sinner took his record to 5-0 this week by beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-0 in the second singles match of Sunday's final, giving Italy a 2-0 win over Australia for its first Davis Cup title since 1976.

Matteo Arnaldi had given Italy the first point with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Alexei Popyrin.

The No. 4 Sinner beat top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the singles and doubles matches in Saturday's semifinal showdown against Serbia.

The 22-year-old Italian needed 1 hour, 21 minutes to seal Italy's victory against Australia.

Arnaldi earlier saved eight break points before getting a break of his own to close out the first match in the decisive third set.

"I think I won one of the most important matches of my life," the 44th-ranked Arnaldi said.

The Italians had lost the last three finals it played against Australia, which was last year's runner-up to Canada.

Australia eliminated Finland in the last four.

Italy won its second Davis Cup title. Australia is a 28-time champion.

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