Novak Djokovic has made a profitable return to motion following his US Open triumph, because the world No.1 helped Serbia ebook their place within the Davis Cup Finals with a gaggle stage victory over hosts Spain.
Playing simply 5 days after lifting his twenty fourth Grand Slam title in New York, Djokovic overcame the new and humid situations early on and recovered from 4-1 down within the second set to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 in Valencia on Friday.
The consequence secured an unassailable 2-0 lead for Serbia after Laslo Djere beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4 6-4 within the first match of the Group C tie and secured a tie within the final eight in Malaga, which is able to happen in November.
“I’m on cloud nine, as you can see with everything that’s has been happening lately on the tennis court,” Djokovic stated following his thirteenth straight match victory.
“Playing for Serbia, for my country, is something completely different. It’s a huge responsibility and pressure but also an incredible privilege and honour, so I’m really glad that I was able to contribute with a crucial point to qualify for Malaga.
“Obviously unlucky for the Spanish crowd, they needed Spain to win however I believe we did rather well … and now we’ll strive in opposition to the Czech Republic tomorrow to clinch prime spot within the group to hopefully get a greater draw.”
Djokovic said he was fully committed to helping the 2010 Davis Cup champions in their quest for a second title in the premier men’s team competition.
“It was all occurring actually shortly inside a number of days and I used to be on a excessive with the U.S. Open win and the celebration at house and leaving my household isn’t simple however coming to a different household – my Serbian squad – provides me the best of pleasure,” he added.
Over in Manchester, an emotional Andy Murray gave Britain a 1-0 lead over Switzerland by outlasting Leandro Riedi 6-7 (7-9) 6-4 6-4 and later revealed he missed his grandmother’s funeral to play in the Group B clash.
Veteran Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years to level the tie by beating Cameron Norrie 7-5 6-4 and returned to play the doubles rubber alongside Dominic Stricker, but the Swiss were no match for Dan Evans and Neal Skupski who prevailed 6-3 6-3 to take control in the group that also features Australia.
In Group A, Italy delighted home fans in Bologna by taking a 2-0 lead over Chile as Matteo Arnaldi downed Cristian Garin 2-6 6-4 6-3 and Lorenzo Sonego overcame Nicolas Jarry 3-6 7-5 6-4.
Finland handed Croatia their second defeat in Group D with Otto Virtanen getting previous Dino Prizmic 6-4 3-6 6-3 and Emil Ruusuvuori beating Borna Gojo 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 in Split. The consequence meant the Netherlands superior to the knockouts.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
