ATP Cup: Novak Djokovic brings Serbia to the final
Novak Djokovicsecured a place in the final of the ATP Cup in Sydney with a three-set win against Daniil Medvedev . Previously, Dusan Lajovic had surprisingly defeated Karen Khachanov.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 11, 2020, 06:19 am
Novak Djokovic was celebrated by the numerous Serbian fans who had stormed the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on Saturday. Even though the match against Daniil Medvedev was not won at all. The point, however, that brought Djokovic's break to 3-2 in the decisive set, deserved a detailed cheer gesture: After the two players had fought from the baseline, Djokovic had to hit the net after a Medvedev ball - and defended there two pass ball attempts by his opponent brilliantly.
That was enough for the number two in the world to 6: 1, 5: 7 and 6: 4. Even if Medvedev had two break chances in the very last game of the match - scored with several line balls, which obviously frustrated the favorite. The Russian should have had access especially with his second option, again Djokovic defended the network in an exemplary manner. After 2:44 hours of play, Medvedev fended off the first match ball with a backhand shot, then picked up the third breakball. After that, however, nothing worked from a Russian perspective - and Serbian number one was celebrated by his teammates and the fans.
Djokovic could have been less dramatic, but was unable to hold an early break in the second set. For Medvedev, it was the first loss in the ATP Cup - after four wins. The Russian has overtaken Dominic Thiem in the ATP world rankings and will be number four in the Australian Open. Djokovic will remain undefeated in 2020. And also saved an additional double.
Nadal against Australia
What Dusan Lajovic owed. The Serbian number two knew how to surprise in the quarterfinals against Canada: Lajovic defeated Karen Khachanov at the start with 7: 5 and 7: 6 (1). Lajovic prevailed against Félix Auger-Aliassime against the Canadians.
Serbia is waiting for the winner of the encounter between Spain and Australia. Both teams had to tremble to the end in their respective quarterfinals: The home side with Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur won the double against Great Britain with 18:16 in the match tie-break. Rafael Nadal and Pablo Carreno Busta also won against Belgium in the longer decision, which is held at the ATP Cup instead of a third set.