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It was once again world number-one Jannik Sinner who caused the damage. The 23 year-old needed a little over an hour to overcome Sebastian Baez 6-2 6-1 in singles before pairing up with Matteo Berrettini to clinch the decisive point in the doubles with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.

Sinner, who only arrived in Malaga on Wednesday after winning the ATP Finals title in Turin, was in imperious form. Despite his team being 1-0 down when he stepped on to the court, there was little doubt that the tie wouldn’t go the distance as soon as he donned his country’s blue jersey.

The Italian’s straightforward win over Baez improved his 2024 hardcourt win-loss record to an astonishing 51-3 and a win in the doubles alongside Berrettini means that Sinner is undefeated in three doubles matches contested inside this arena in Malaga – having won in doubles against Netherlands and Serbia here last year.

“I think we have some very good choices to put on the court,” Sinner said. “Today was this choice because I played the first match, and it was not that long, so I felt physically ready. He played unbelievable, Matteo. He carried me.

“This means so much to us and I’m happy to play doubles with him.”