ATP Cup: Djokovic beats Zverev, doubles have to decide
After Jan-Lennard Struff defeated Dusan Lajovic at the beginning of the ATP Cup in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic equalized for Serbia with a three-set win against Alexander Zverev .
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Feb 05, 2021, 05:08 am
Novak Djokovic did not want to have great emotions when the world number one finally made his first break in the match against Alexander Zverev. But: Djokovic took the momentum of the 3-2 in the second round, did not give up a game. In the third set it got a little tighter for Zverev, for example at the score of 3: 3 when the German had to start. But pulled himself out of the affair with risky premiums.
A few moments later, however, the time had come: A forehand from Zverev landed behind the baseline, Djokovic made the break to 5: 4. The industry leader did not serve up - after serving Zverev with the first break chance with a double mistake, Zverev managed to equalize again. Speaking of double mistakes: Djokovic took the lead again with the eighth of the German. And thus also won his eighth individual at the ATP Cup, which was only launched in 2020 - this time with 6: 7 (3), 6: 2 and 7: 5.
What was also necessary: Because Jan-Lennard Struff had brought the German team into the lead, as in the encounter against Canada. This time Struff needed three sets to prevail against Dusan Lajovic with 3: 6, 6: 3 and 6: 4. Filip Krajinovic was actually expected on the part of the Serbs - but he could not compete due to back problems.
Does Djokovic also play in doubles?
So the double must decide. There are also deviations from the original plan: In Germany, Andreas Mies is known to be unable to play with his partner Kevin Krawietz due to a knee injury. And with the Serbs, it remains to be seen whether Djokovic will take on the second shift as he did against Canada.
The Spaniards have already qualified for the semi-finals, despite their 2-1 draw against Greece. The victory of Pablo Carreo Busta against Michail Pervolarakis gave last year's finalists a place in the semifinals, where the Spaniards meet Italy. Whether with Rafael Nadal, it remains to be seen: So far, the 20-time major champion has not been able to play a match at the ATP Cup.