Australia stun Italy 2-1 in ATP Cup

Sydney, Jan 2: John Peers and Luke Saville completed the Australian turnaround on Sunday at the ATP Cup to give the home nation lift-off in Group B here. The pair downed Matteo Berrettini and Simone Bolelli 6-3, 7-5 to secure a 2-1 victory for Australia against Italy in front of a lively crowd that was fully engaged following Alex de Minaur’s win over Berrettini in the second singles rubber.
Peers and Saville rose to the task throughout against the Italian duo, saving a set point on serve at 4-5 in the second set as they won the last nine points of the match to triumph after 84 minutes.
Australia will face reigning champion Russia on Tuesday, while Italy plays France.
Earlier, home favourite De Minaur lifted the roof off Ken Rosewall Arena Sunday when he kept alive Australia’s opening tie hopes against Italy at ATP Cup, upsetting World No. 7 Berrettini 6-3, 7-6(4) in Group B. (IANS)