By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday September 15, 2023
Novak Djokovic returned to action to spearhead Serbian victory in Valencia on Friday at Davis Cup.
Photo Source: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images for ITF)
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday September 15, 2023
Just five days after winning his 24th major title at the US Open, Novak Djokovic is already back on the court, helping his mates plow past Spain to book their spot in the knock-out round of the Davis Cup Finals.
The 36-year-old powered past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in front of a packed house on Friday to give Serbia an insurmountable lead and a spot in the Top 2 of Group C, 6-3, 6-4.
That means Serbia has already qualified for this November's knockout round to be played in Malaga, Spain from November 21-26.
“Leaving my family is never easy, but coming to another family – my Serbian squad – always gives me the greatest joy and beautiful sensations,” Djokovic said. “To be able to be playing for my country. At the beginning of the season I said that Grand Slams and playing for my country are the greatest priority – I really want to contribute as much as I can.”
With his win Djokovic makes more history – he ties Nenad Zimonjic on Serbia’s all-time match win list with 43 – and increases his consecutive win streak in Davis Cup singles matches to 20.
Djokovic, who has not lost a Davis Cup singles match since 2011, improves to 39-7 lifetime in singles at the international team competition.
Serbia will face Czechia on Saturday for the top spot in Group C.