“Davis Cup”: Novak returns and gives Serbia a place in the quarter-finals
Novak Djokovic booked a place for Serbia in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Friday, by defeating Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, just five days after winning the US Open title.
The world number one achieved an easy victory 6-3, 6-4, giving his country a 2-0 lead in Valencia, after Laslo Djere had earlier defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4, 6-4.
This was Djokovic’s first appearance in the team competition since Serbia’s semi-final loss to Croatia in 2021.
The 36-year-old won his 24th Grand Slam title last weekend in three clean sets over Russian Daniil Medvedev in the Flushing Meadows final.
“I am in a state of joy after everything that happened to me recently on the tennis courts,” Novak said.
He continued, “Playing for Serbia, for my country, is something completely different. “It is a great responsibility, but it is an honor and pride at the same time.”
Congratulations poured in to Novak after the final (Reuters)
Serbia, which also won the doubles match in two sets, booked a place in the quarter-finals scheduled for Malaga, Spain, in November, after defeating South Korea 3-0 on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Spain, the host of the quarter-finals, bid farewell to the competition in the absence of its star, Carlos Alcarras, ranked second in the world, who preferred to rest after his exit from the Flushing Meadows semi-finals.
Regarding whether Djokovic’s presence increases the pressure on the Serbian team, his colleague Djere said: “It may put some pressure.” But I try to use that as motivation.”
Djokovic played a decisive role in Serbia winning its only title in the competition in 2010.
Serbia will conclude its group stage campaign on Saturday against Czechia, which also secured qualification to the quarter-finals.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Reuters)
On the other hand, Andy Murray gave Britain its first point in the competition against Switzerland, before revealing that he had missed his grandmother’s funeral to play the match.
“Today is a difficult day for me, it is my grandmother’s funeral today,” Murray said after his epic victory over Leandro Reddy 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 6-4 at Manchester Arena.
He added, “I am sorry to my family because I was not able to be there, but, grandmother, this victory is for you,” before returning to his seat, where he sat crying, covering his face with a towel.
The 36-year-old had lost only three of his previous 35 singles matches in the tournament, but it took every ounce of skill and competitiveness to fight his way past the 21-year-old Reddy, who was making his Davis Cup debut.
Switzerland equalized the numbers with veteran Stanislas Wawrinka defeating Cameron Norrie 7 – 5 and 6 – 4. But Dan Evans and Neil Skupski beat Dominic Strick and Wawrinka 6 – 3 and 6 – 3, so Britain achieved its second victory in the group stage, after the first victory over Australia 2 – 1. .
Britain will guarantee a place in the quarter-finals if it wins over France on Sunday, while a loss may also qualify it, depending on the result of Saturday’s match between Switzerland and Australia.
Italy compensated for its opening loss to Canada, the defending champion, 0-3, by defeating Chile 3-0 in the first group.
Young Matteo Arnaldi defeated Christian Garin 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, then Lorenzo Sonego defeated Nicolas Jarry 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, before the doubles match was also decided.
Finland maintained its hopes of qualifying in Group D, which the Netherlands leads with two wins, by defeating Croatia 2-1 in Split.
The champion and runner-up of each group qualify for the quarterfinals scheduled in Malaga, Spain, between November 21 and 26.
2023-09-16 13:46:06
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