Novak Djokovic had a double reason to celebrate his return to competitive tennis on Tuesday after helping Serbia secure their opening win at the ATP Cup.
The world No.1 played a key role in both of his country’s wins over Canada as they clinched their tie 2-1. In his opening match Djokovic locked horns with Denis Shapovalov who he outlasted 7-5, 7-5, in what was a closely contested encounter that lasted just under two hours. The 17-time Grand Slam champion didn’t face a single break point throughout as he won 80% of his service points. Coincidentally, in both sets Djokovic broke the Canadian’s serve in the final game.
There was little time for Djokovic to relish in his victory as he returned to the court later in the day for a crucial doubles clash. In the other singles match Milos Raonic managed to equal the tie after beating Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, to level up. Paired up with Filip Krajinovic the Serbian duo battled to a 7-5, 7-6(4), victory over Shapovalov and Raonic to hand their team the overall win.
“Filip Krajinovic was the key. The way he played today is phenomenal. He came out very solid returning. He found his serve, great rhythm. Just played some really key shots in the second set when we needed it the most,” said Djokovic.
“We managed to find the right shots, the right return, the right position in the court when we needed it most. It was exciting,” he added.
Due to the pandemic this year’s ATP Cup is taking place at Melbourne Park which is the same venue as the Australian Open. Djokovic has found memories of the Rod Laver Arena after winning the major title a record eight times so far in his career. Perhaps more worrying for his rivals is that fact the 33-year-old says he feels more confident on the court each year he plays on it.
“Over the years I’ve been blessed to experience lots of success. Each year that I come back, I think I’m even more confident and even more comfortable being on the Rod Laver Arena,” Djokovic explained.
“It was different this time. Obviously playing in the ATP Cup for the first time on the Rod Laver Arena and not being in the Australian Open. Representing your country is always a huge honor.’
“It was different mostly because of the fact you have your corner, you have your coach. You have your captain, your fellow team players that are cheering you on. That was something that I really enjoyed.”
As one of the Big Three of men’s tennis, Djokovic says he is confident that the sport will continue to grow even when he steps away from good. Although he has no plans to do so in the future with both the all-time Grand Slam record within his sight. As to who could win their first major title in the coming months Djokovic believes both Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev are close to doing so.
“I think the future of tennis is in good hands, without a doubt. I know how it feels working your way up to the men’s tennis world, trying to clinch the first Grand Slam title. It’s a paramount climbing, a Mount Everest kind of experience until you do it,” he said.
“Then when you achieve such a great achievement, then of course there’s a huge kind of burden and monkey off your back. After that, you’re entering a new era of your career.’
“I’m sure that these guys already have plenty of quality in their work and experience and motivation to get out there and win big titles.”
Djokovic will return to action later this week when Serbia takes on Germany in the ATP Cup.
