Playing in final huge privilege for 'puzzle' master Sinner

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was described as a "puzzle that not many have solved", after defeating Alex de Minaur to power holders Italy into the Davis Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Nov 23.

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The two-time winners faced the Netherlands in the showpiece on Nov 24, after the Dutch ousted Germany 2-0 on Nov 22 to make the final for the first time in 104 years of trying. The result was not available at press time.

Sinner, who has never lost against de Minaur in nine matches, including the 2023 Davis Cup final, triumphed 6-3, 6-4 in Malaga.

In the first singles, Matteo Berrettini earned a 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 7-5 win over Australia's Thanasi Kokkinakis in two hours and 43 minutes.

"Finals are a huge privilege to be a part of - Sunday is a final and I'm very happy to be here in this position," said Sinner.

"Winning would mean so much for us, not only for the win but because it would mean we defended our title.