ATP Cup: Even without Nadal and Djokovic - Spain and Serbia complete "Whitewash"
Spain and Serbia got off to a perfect start at the ATP Cup. The nations of the two superstars Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic won 3-0 each.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 04, 2020, 04:21 pm
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could not have imagined the start of the ATP Cup much better. Both players won their individual without losing a set and were also able to observe how their compatriots only claimed victories.
Nadal should have had a lot of fun in the match by Roberto Bautista Agut: The 31-year-old did not give Georgian Aleksandre Metreveli a single game win and clearly won 6-0 and 6-0. Then Nadal was on the spot and defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili 6: 3 and 7: 5.
In the final doubles, for which the world number one was also initially planned, the Mallorcan could watch a 6: 3 and 6: 4 victory of Pablo Carreno Busta and his substitute Feliciano Lopez over Aleksandre Bakshi and George Tsivadze. The 3-0 win over Georgia underpinned Spain's favorite role in the ATP Cup.
Djokovic is also spared in doubles
At least Serbia has to be counted among the extended circle of favorites - especially after the 3-0 win over South Africa. At the start of the international match, Dusan Lajovic beat Lloyd Harris 3: 6, 7: 6 (4) and 6: 3. Djokovic followed with a 7: 6 (5) and 7: 6 (6) win against Kevin Anderson.
For the double, the world ranking second was spared as well as Nadal. Substitute Nikola Cacic and Viktor Troicki did an excellent job at the end of the day, leaving Raven Klaasen and Ruan Roelofse no chance in their 6-3 and 6-2 success. The first big showdown for Serbia against France will take place on Monday.
The third game of the night session went to Croatia, who beat Austria 3-0. Among other things, Dominic Thiem lost against Borna Coric . Thus, all teams have made their first appearance at the ATP Cup - on January 5, the game continues with high-class games, including Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.