LONDON: Reigning Davis Cup champions Italy are set to take on Argentina in the first match of the Last 8 knockout stage in Malaga in November while the United States are set for a blockbuster clash against Australia.
The top eight nations have qualified from the group finals and will compete at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena in the Spanish coastal city of Málaga from November 19 to 24.
The Italian team, victorious in all three of their group final matches without world number one Jannik Sinner, will look to strengthen their squad for the knockout stages. Sinner, who missed the group stage, could return for Italy’s quarter-final clash against Argentina, adding oomph to an already talent-packed squad.
Argentina overcame a tough group that included heavyweights Great Britain and Canada to secure their place in the last eight. The South American nation will have plenty of options to prepare to challenge the defending champions, with two singles matches and a doubles decider set to determine the outcome of each tie.
Meanwhile, the United States, the most successful team in Davis Cup history with 32 titles, is set to take on Australia, the second most successful nation with 28 titles. Both teams were missing key players during the group finals, but the stakes in Malaga could see a strong US lineup go head-to-head with a formidable Australian side.
In the other quarter-finals, host nation Spain will face the Netherlands, and Canada will face Germany. Spain can count on world number three Carlos Alcaraz, which sets them up as strong contenders on their home ground. If both Spain and Italy advance, a potential final clash could be between Sinner and Alcaraz.
Image Credit: Khas-Khabar.