Argentina claimed a 1-0 lead on Davis Cup holders Italy in the quarter-finals on Thursday as Francisco Cerundolo swept to a convincing 6-4, 6-1 victory over Lorenzo Musetti.
World number one Jannik Sinner faces Sebastian Baez, ranked 27th, in the second singles rubber in Malaga, aiming to keep Italy in the tournament.
The winners of the tie reach Saturday’s semi-final where they will face Australia, who ousted record 32-time winners USA 2-1 earlier in the day.
“I played one of the best matches of the year for sure… I knew I had to win because the tie is super close,” said Cerundolo.
“I knew I had to play my best today and I think I did it.”
However, things did not start perfectly for the Argentinian who double-faulted to hand Italy an early break for 2-0, but he worked his way back on serve straight away when Musetti whipped a forehand wide.
Cerundolo broke in the seventh and ninth games, with Musetti replying in the eighth, and it was enough for the 26-year-old to claim the topsy-turvy first set by holding to love.
Cerundolo stepped up a gear in the second set with his powerful forehand a constant thorn in Musetti’s side.
The world number 30 broke in the first game and again in the fifth for a 4-1 lead, which he consolidated with ease with the Italian’s spirit broken.
Musetti, ranked 17th, was unable to offer any resistance and capitulated to love in his final service game.
The first semi-final between Netherlands, who defeated Rafa Nadal’s Spain, and Germany will be played on Friday.
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