Australia fight back to stun highly fancied Italy in Group B

A powerful Italian team made exactly the start expected when Jannik Sinner brushed aside Max Purcell 6-1, 6-3 in the ATP Cup Group B tie in Australia.

The competition format sees the number 2 singles played first, with the number singles to follow. Doubles - with no-advantage scoring and a match tie-break in place of a third set - represented the final rubber.

So when world number seven Matteo Berrettini took to the court against Alex de Minaur, a victory for the visitors looked a distinct possibility.

Instead, the 22-year-old home favourite earned his fifth Top 10 win of his career, defeating Berrettini 6-3, 7-6(4).

And John Peers and Luke Saville completed a stunning Australian turnaround - the duo defeating Berrettini and Simone Bolelli 6-3, 7-5.