Bronzetti win lifts Italy into United final

Lucia Bronzetti earned the final point necessary to send Italy into a United Cup final on Sunday against the US.

The No. 54 faced off for the fifth time against Greek Valentini Grammatikopoulou and emerged with a tie-winning 6-2, 6-3 result,

The Italian right-hander from seaside Rimini sent her nation into the title match as her opponent drove a return wide after 79 minutes.

Earlier teammate Matteo Berrettini was unable to finish off an Italian sweep as the 2021 Wimbledon finalist fell 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“We are in the finals,” Bronzetti said. “We are a great team and great friends as well.

“I’m so happy and excited right now; I’m so proud of myself.”

Bronzetti had faced her Greek opponent, with the pair splitting their first four matches.

She had been expecting to take on Despina Papamichael, who was replaced at the last moment for Greece.

“I had prepared for another opponent,” Bronzetti said. “But I knew Valentini’s game and knew how I had to play.” 

Tsitsipas needed to battle to complete his fight back against Berrettini after two and a half hours.

“Somehow I hung in there. I was waiting for my chances,” he ATP No. 4 said. 

“He’s a big server and hits some bombs consistently, so you have to accept a few and you have to move on from that point, concentrate on your serve.

“I played a very good game in that game that I broke. I was able to play with a lot of intensity and I think my concentration peaked at that particular game.”

Main photo:- Lucia Bronzetti celebrates with Italy teammates – by WTATennis.com