ATP Cup: equalization - Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal!
Novak Djokovic equalized for Serbia in the ATP Cup final. Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 and 7-6 (4). So the double has to make the decision.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 12, 2020, 12:47 pm
Novak Djokovic did not burn anything in the ATP Cup final against Rafael Nadal from the start: The Spaniard led 30-0 in his first service game, but Djokovic obviously wanted to make a statement right at the start. And took his rival's service straight away. In the end, Djokovic won 6-2 and 7-6 (4).
The Spaniards had won the last big team competition, at home at the final tournament of the Davis Cup in Madrid. In mid-November Nadal and Co. were able to enjoy the home advantage to the fullest, in Sydney the Serbian fans now clearly set the tone. At times so offensive that Rafael Nadal consulted with referee Mohammed Layahni.
Nadal with chances in set two
After Djokovic had appeared untouchable in the first round with his own serve, Nadal managed to develop break chances for the first time in the sixth game of set two. Novak Djokovic initially equalized the 0:40, as did Nadal's fourth option. The latter with an ace outside. A pattern that repeated itself a few moments later. Djokovic behaved inconspicuously until then - and then still had two chances at 5: 5 and 15:40 for the preliminary decision. Nadal fought back in a sensational way.
A tie break had to decide. Nadal started with a mini break, Djokovic came back immediately. At 3: 3 the sides were changed. The point for 5: 4 dictated Djokovic with his backhand, came with the longline shot to the first lead with break. And with a backhand slice from Nadal out to two match balls. And the first one was sitting.
For Djokovic it was the 29th victory in the 55th meeting with Nadal. The last meeting between the two had been won by Nadal in Rome in three sentences last year. The decision about the first winner in the ATP Cup must now be made in double. It can be assumed that the two best players in the world will also play their part there - Nadal alongside Pablo Carreno Busta, Djokovic with Viktor Troicki.