November 22, 2022 2:18 PM
Adam Evans

Italy vs United States – Quarter-Final – Preview & Prediction | 2022 Davis Cup Finals

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THE FACTS

When is Italy vs United States on and what time does it start? Italy vs United States will take place on Thursday 24th November, 2022 – not before 15:00 (UK)

Where is Italy vs United States taking place? Italy vs United States will take place at Martin Carpena in Malaga, Spain

What surface is Italy vs United States being played on? Italy vs United States will take place on an indoor hard court

Where can I get tickets for Italy vs United States? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Italy vs United States

What channel is Italy vs United States on in the UK? The Davis Cup Finals will not be televised live in the UK

Where can I stream Italy vs United States in the UK? Tennis Channel subscribers can stream the Davis Cup Finals

THE LOWDOWN

A full-strength Italian side would be considered one of the favourites for the Davis Cup Final this Sunday but the loss of Jannik Sinner and now Matteo Berrettini sees them come to Malaga seriously underpowered. World number 23 Lorenzo Musetti has enjoyed an excellent second-half of the season in 2022, winning his first two ATP titles at the Hamburg Open and Napoli Cup, but the 20-year-old looked exhausted at the Next Gen ATP Finals despite home fans giving him everything in Milan. Second-option Lorenzo Sonego recently win the third ATP title of his career at the Moselle Open to take his ranking back up to a respectable 45th in the world and he could well prove the surprise package if he has a good day against, most likely, Frances Tiafoe. Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli have enjoyed a strong season on tour as a doubles partnership but their best performances have come on clay with titles at the Rio Open and Umag Open.

Team USA look strong coming into the Davis Cup Finals but it is remarkably odd to see just four players fielded when recently-crowned ATP Finals doubles champion Rajeev Ram was ready and available. Aside from that slight controversy, the US have three in-form singles players this week in Malaga, with world number nine Taylor Fritz especially looking strong in Turin last week with excellent victories over Rafael Nadal and Felix Auger-Aliassime taking him to the semi-finals. World number 19 Frances Tiafoe came as close as anybody to ousting Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open back in September, eventually losing to the eventual champion in five thrilling sets. Former world number eight Jack Sock helped the US through to the quarter-finals here by beating Great Britain alongside the absent Rajeev Ram but he will make an excellent doubles duo with one of Tiafoe or Tommy Paul.

THE PREDICTION

This could have been the tightest quarter-final of the tournament if Italy had brought their top-10 quality players in Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini but the two Lorenzos have enjoyed indoor hardcourt tennis in recent months and they will put in spirited performances. Nonetheless, it is hard to see Taylor Fritz losing to Lorenzo Musetti or Frances Tiafoe to Lorenzo Sonego here in conditions that ultimately suit the Americans’ respective games. Back the US to win 2-0.

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