Taking part in for the primary time since successful his twenty fourth Grand Slam singles title on the US Open, Novak Djokovic continued his successful methods with a 6-3, 6-4 Davis Cup win in opposition to Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday. Djokovic’s victory in Valencia clinched the tie for Serbia and secured the nation its place within the Davis Cup Ultimate 8 in Malaga in November.

“I am on cloud 9, as you may say, with every thing the has been occurring currently on the tennis court docket,” Djokovic stated post-match, alluding to his titles in Cincinnati and on the US Open. “Clearly taking part in for Serbia, for my nation, is one thing fully totally different. It is an enormous duty and stress, but in addition an unimaginable privilege and honour.

“I am actually glad that I used to be in a position to contribute with a vital level to qualify for Malaga with this win.”

Djokovic trailed 1-4 within the second set in opposition to Davidovich Fokina however received the ultimate 5 video games to safe a straight-sets victory. He was damaged on the one break level he confronted within the match, however made up for it by changing on three of his 5 break probabilities. Djokovic completed a robust serving day with 10 aces and an 80 per cent win price (33/41) on first serve.

“He was taking part in actually aggressive, taking the ball early and never giving me a lot time,” the Serbian stated of his opponent. “It was actually powerful, however when it mattered, I feel I got here up with the products and performed some good tennis.”

The 36-year-old is searching for to guide his nation to its second Davis Cup title, having helped Serbia to its first crown in 2010 and a runner-up end in 2013.

Laslo Djere opened the tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win in opposition to Albert Ramos-Vinolas to provide Serbia a 1-0 lead in opposition to hosts Spain, who at the moment are eradicated from competition for the Ultimate 8. The Serbian doubles group of Nikola Cacic and Miomir Kecmanovic accomplished a 3-0 sweep with a 6-4, 7-6(13) win in opposition to Davidovich Fokina and Marcel Granollers.

Serbia will face Czech Republic, who’re additionally certified for the Ultimate 8, on Saturday to find out who finishes first in Group C.

Finland defeats Croatia in Group D

Match wins from Otto Virtanen and Emil Ruusuvuori earned Finland victory in its Group D matchup in opposition to Croatia on Friday. With the consequence, Finland improves to 1-1 within the Davis Cup Finals group stage, establishing what is going to perform as a knockout tie in opposition to america (additionally 1-1) on Saturday.

🇫🇮 Emil Ruusuvuori defeats Borna Gojo and takes the tie to 2-0 💪#DavisCup | @tennisfi pic.twitter.com/vMUaarYkQC

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 15, 2023

The Netherlands, presently in first place within the group at 2-0, at the moment are assured a spot within the Ultimate 8.

In Cut up, Virtanen opened Friday’s tie with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win in opposition to Croatia’s Dino Prizmic earlier than Ruusuvuori made it 2-0 with a 7-6(3), 6-4 win in opposition to Borna Gojo.