'A fantastic sensation': Italy defeat Brazil to claim World Cup joy
Italy overpowered hosts and defending champions Brazil to claim a fifth ITF Beach Tennis World Cup title on the sands of Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach – and it proved double success for the rampant Europeans.
By dispatching Brazil in a showdown which went the distance and proved another sublime advert for the sport of beach tennis, Italy claimed their first World Cup title since 2017.
Their victory ended the monopoly of Brazil topping this particular tournament’s podium, having done so on the three previous occasions the event has been staged, while Italy now head the World Cup-winning leader board with five titles.
Success here was secured by Michele Cappelletti and Sofia Cimatti, who held heir nerve during a tense and nervy mixed doubles match to eventually dispatch the formidable Andre Baran and Rafaella Miiller 6-3 3-6 10-4.
World No. 1 Cappelletti was certainly centre stage as he and Mattia Spoto joined forces in the men’s doubles to great effect, hauling Italy level in the tie following a 5-7 6-0 10-7 victory over Baran and Allan Oliveira.
Italy were staring down the barrel of defeat after the opening set of the men’s doubles, with Giulia Gasparri and Ninny Valentini earlier squandering match point before succumbing 1-6 6-4 11-9 to Miiller and Vitoria Marchezini in the women’s doubles.
However, the Italians were far from finished and Cappelletti and Cimatti proved themselves national treasures once more.
“We are so happy,” Cappelletti told itftennis.com. “For me, it can’t get better than this, winning mixed doubles and playing with Sofia because we have enormous potential. She is like a sister to me. We have so much confidence when we are on court.
Cimatti added: “I am so happy. It was an incredible match. Thanks to my partner, together we are a strong mixed duo. This is a fantastic sensation.”
For Brazil captain Alex Mingozzi, this was his first loss since taking the helm four years ago: He said: “I am proud of my team. Of course, I have very sad and bad feelings in my heart. It is painful. But the Italians played fantastically well and deserve their win.”
Venezuela finish third
Venezuela’s history-making journey continued. After reaching their first ITF Beach Tennis World Cup semi-final, Venezuela defeated a strong Spain team to finish third in the 2022 edition of the event.
With Venezuela roared on by the Brazilian crowed, it was another tie which went the distance and was decided by the mixed doubles, wth Paty Diaz and Ramon Guedez overcoming Antomi Ramos and Eva Palos 7-5 0-6 10-8.
“I am full of emotions and cannot find the words to describe this moment,” Diaz told itftennis.com. “We have worked so hard. I always believed in our team despite the problems for many players of living in a country with political issues which limit travel outside.
“But I am so proud of Venezuela’s beautiful people, and we deserve this success. I hope our young girls believe that beach tennis life is beautiful. I am so happy.”
Italy capture another junior title
Italy conquered all before in the junior event and sealed victory courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Venezuela. Elena Francesconi and Irene Mariotti defeated Valentina Negrillo and Heyka Rodriguez 6-1 6-3 before Luca Andreolini and Peter Campedelli dispatched Carlos Fernandez and Luis Araujo 6-4 7-5.
“I am very happy with many emotions,” Italy captain Michele Folegatti told itftennis.com. “I want to thank this incredible team. I don´t have words for those guys.
"Each year, it is getting more difficult for us because every nation is getting better and trying to beat our team. There is a lot of pressure. This victory is for Damiano Rosichini.”