After Nadal's retirement, eyes on Sinner in Davis Cup Finals

The world number one will lead Italy in their defence of the 2023 championship on Thursday when they take on Argentina. Meanwhile, the United States and Australia plough ahead in the tournament that has lost Spain as its main attraction in Malaga. 

Two days have passed since Nadal's last professional match and Spain's exit from the Davis Cup on home soil, a defeat that left Malaga in shock. But the world of tennis moves on with stars like Jannik Sinner, as the players and fans gathered at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena will attest.  

In Wednesday's action, Germany, playing without Alexander Zverev, ran out comfortable winners over Canada. Daniel Altmaier defeated Gabriel Diallo 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) and Jan-Lennard Struff followed with a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) win over Denis Shapovalov in the second singles match. Germany will now play the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday.  

After the initial disappointment, the locals and the throngs of tourists on Malaga's Mediterranean coast - who, according to the city council, have surpassed the summer high season - are guaranteed some quality tennis. The highlight comes this Thursday at 17:00 CET when Italy, led by Sinner, take on a modest Argentina in a bid to defend the title they won last year on the same courts.  

Italy will be heavy favourites against Argentina, not only because of Sinner, the world's number one player and fresh from his ATP Finals triumph last weekend, but also because of the depth of their team. Lorenzo Musetti, ranked 16th in the world, provides strong support at second singles, while their doubles pairing - semi-finalists at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin - adds further strength.  

Italy captain Filippo Volandri acknowledged the changes since the 2023 triumph, but expressed confidence in his side's ability to adapt.  "It's different from last year, but we are more focused. We have more confidence. The conditions aren't the same, but the Italian players adapt very quickly, as they've already shown. I'm proud of the team.  "

Argentina, South America's only representative at the 2024 finals, will be hoping to cause an upset and reach the semi-finals. Although their squad lacks the top talent of 2016, when they won the Davis Cup in Zagreb with the likes of Juan Martin del Potro, the team remains determined. 

On the match-up, Volandri noted:  "As we've seen in the last few years, we always pay attention to every opponent. The Davis Cup is like a different sport, rankings don't matter. We know that very well and that's why we're preparing as well as we can. Argentina will be a tough opponent. We're in the last eight, so every match is a real challenge. But as long as we focus on ourselves, we are ready and excited.  

Argentina captain and former player Guillermo Coria has not yet revealed who will face Musetti - either Francisco Cerúndolo or Tomás Etcheverry. Their number one, Sebastián Báez, ranked 27th and yet to win against a top-10 player, faces a monumental task against the unstoppable Sinner, who has just secured his place as the best player of the season.

Should the tie come down to a doubles decider, it promises to be a nail-biter, although the Italians have the edge. Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori are in top form and look stronger on paper than their Argentine counterparts Máximo González and Andrés Molteni, despite the latter pair's solid record together and world rankings of 21th and 22th in doubles.  

Italy is enjoying the best period in its tennis history. After reaching the women's final and winning the men's title last year, the women added to their success by winning the Billie Jean King Cup on Wednesday night.

Sinner and his teammates know their chances of retaining the title have increased with Spain out of the tournament and no longer a potential final opponent. But they remain cautious, aware that the Davis Cup, in its 124-year history, has a reputation for upsets. For now, their focus is on overcoming Argentina and, if they do so, on meeting the winner of the United States and Australia in the semi-finals.