By Lauren Lynch
© Davis Cup Twitpic

(December 3, 2010) Given good reason to celebrate amongst a huge Serbian crowd, Novak Djokovic pulled out an important match today for Serbia in defeating Gilles Simon in strait sets 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 to even the score with France to 1-1 in the second rubber. Gael Monfils took the first rubber against Janko Tipsarevic.

The World No. 3 did not take the Frenchman for granted. Djokovic had his first match point but like he had stated prior to the match that he is cautious with Gilles because he likes to defeat with long rallies. This proved true as he was brought to losing a second match point for Simon to take that game 5-5. He was not going to give up in the third set, however, Simon continued to mishit and struggle with his first set.

"He's always a tricky opponent to play against any surface." Djokovic said of Simon, "Whoever you play in the finals, you can't underestimate any opponent. You have to be on top of the game to win."

There is big implications to Djokovic's place in history as he could lead the team to victory in their first Davis Cup final. However, he is completely concentrating on accrediting team effort over his strong play and high ranking.

"This is not about the individual effort and this is very important to say because Davis Cup is the only team competition in tennis that we get to feel team spirit. We get to feel this great atmosphere of representing our country in the first place and then ourselves in the end. It's a team effort. Even if you win one match it doesn't change anything. We are very aware of that," Say Djokovic about the team versus the individual at the Davis Cup.

Djokovic will meet with World No. 12 Monfils on Sunday for the fourth round. The doubles match tomorrow between Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra versus Nenad Zimonjic and Viktor Troicki will be a vital match that will shape the outcome of the Davis Cup final. Although, it is important to note that the captains can change who will play an hour before the match. Could we see Nole or Janko playing doubles?

"It's 1-1. Everything is open," says Djokovic post-match.