Rinderknech Stuns Cobolli to Eliminate Italy as Paolini Delivers a Consolation Win
6 January 2026
Rinderknech stuns Cobolli and eliminates Italy
Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech saved two match points to upset Flavio Cobolli and knock Italy out of Davis Cup contention on Tuesday in Perth. The result also slots Argentina into the best runner-up spot in Perth's groups, nudging the field toward the quarterfinals that include the United States vs Greece and Argentina vs Switzerland on Wednesday.
In a marathon, 3-hour-21-minute battle, Rinderknech clawed back after losing a tight second-set tiebreak, sealing a 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 victory while saving two match points at 5-6 in the second frame. He later noted that while the match may not have been a highlight reel, it served as excellent preparation for the Australian Open.
Paolini delivers a consolation win for Italy
Italy's Jasmine Paolini defeated France's Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-3 in 1 hour 22 minutes, securing a courtesy win as the tie concluded with Italy still exiting the group stage.
Paolini commented that although the grouping was not favorable, the Italians fought until the last ball and treated this event with the right spirit.
Doubles finish seals the day for Italy as France exits
In a bid to save face, the Italian duo Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori beat France's Tiantsou Rakotomanja and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-6, 7-6, delivering the overall tie victory for Italy but sending France to the bottom of the group standings.
Punchlines: The net had a mind of its own in that final rally, and Perth just proved that even a consolation win can feel like a plot twist in a blockbuster.
