IT was a big day of ATP action as the final day of play got underway in the ATP Cup, Murray River Open and Great Ocean Road Open. Russia got the job done against Italy while Jannik Sinner and Daniel Evans took out the title in the Great Ocean Road Open and Murray River Open respectively.

Russia 2 defeated Italy 0

Russia reigned supreme against Italy as their top tier players made light work of their Italian counterparts to take out the ATP Cup. Boasting two players in the Top 10, Russia went into the contest heavy favourites and there was good reason behind it as they claimed their maiden title. Their effectiveness in the singles all but nullified the need for a dead rubber doubles match, a feat the Russian team avoided the entire tournament credit to their skillset and intensity.

Daniil Medvedev prevailed against Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 6-2 to set up a strong start for the Russian side. With the match lasting an hour and 20 minutes Medvedev showcased his class and wit to withstand Berrettini’s constant advances and grind out each set. He was pushed in the first set before putting his foot down in the second set to run rampant and slam the door shut on Berrettini trying to make a comeback. Andrey Rublev had no issue in getting over the top of Fabio Fognini downing the Italian in a mere hour. Rublev seemed to have everything go his way as shown through his 6-1 6-2 victory with his impressive serve causing all sorts of havoc for the Italian.

Daniil Medvedeve (RUS) defeated Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 6-4 6-2
Andrey Rublev (RUS) defeated Fabio Fognini (ITA) 6-1 6-2

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Great Ocean Road final

In an all-Italian final between Jannik Sinner and Stefano Travaglia it was the former that got the chocolates in a two hour marathon 6-7 4-6. Both players were put through their paces with the first set going to a tiebreaker highlighting the high intensity battle that ensued but in the end Sinner was able to find that next level to claim his second title and extend his winning streak to 10 matches.

At only 19-years of age Sinner showed composure beyond his years to think his way through Travaglia’s barrage and constant pressure in the opening set to remain, calm and focused to not only win that set but keep that momentum heading into the second. Using his court coverage and recovery to full effect, Sinner was able to combat Travaglia and find a way to win and will be eager to continue that form heading into the Australian Open. His ability to close out the break points was a key reason for his success in this match while Sinner also displayed his accuracy on the serve only registering one double fault compared to his opponent’s five.

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Murray River Open

It was a battle between young and old at the Murray River Open with the experienced Daniel Evans up against youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime and in this case it was experience that won out as Evans secured the Murray River Open title 6-2 6-3. The victory marked Evans’ maiden ATP title after making waves last year but falling short of the silverware a task he has now accomplished.

The up and coming Canadian had his work well and truly cut out for him and despite his best efforts could not do enough to topple the Brit as Evans managed an impressive five straight-set wins to reign supreme. The match was done and dusted in a little under an hour and twenty minutes as both players plied their trade to try and edge ahead but Evans seemed to have all the answers for Auger-Aliassime.

With an inaugural title under his belt, Evans is now focused on the upcoming Australian Open where he is set to face Cam Norrie.

“It was good to be out there and win, but like I said last year, this year I wanted to do well in the bigger events. “I didn’t have great Grand Slams last year, albeit a strange year, but my focus is on this week now. “I’ve got a tough match against Cam (Norrie) and hopefully get through that one,” Evans said.