{"id":316795,"date":"2023-09-16T00:26:29","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T00:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/popularindinews.com\/?p=316795"},"modified":"2023-09-16T00:26:29","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T00:26:29","slug":"djokovic-propels-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/popularindinews.com\/sport\/djokovic-propels-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals\/","title":{"rendered":"Djokovic propels Serbia into Davis Cup quarter-finals"},"content":{"rendered":"
A round-up of Friday’s action in the Davis Cup World Croup Finals.<\/strong><\/p>\n Novak Djokovic made a winning return to action following his US Open triumph. The world number one helped Serbia book their place in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup on Friday with a group stage victory over hosts Spain.<\/p>\n Playing just five days after lifting his 24th Grand Slam title in New York, Djokovic overcame the hot and humid conditions early on and recovered from 1-4 down in the second set to beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 6-4 in Valencia.<\/p>\n The result secured an unassailable 2-0 lead for Serbia after Laslo Djere beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-4, 6-4 in the first match of the Group C tie and secured a tie in the last eight in Malaga, which will take place in November.<\/p>\n “I’m on cloud nine, as you can see with everything that’s has been happening lately on the tennis court,” Djokovic said following his 13th straight match victory.<\/p>\n “Playing for Serbia, for my country, is something completely different. It’s a huge responsibility and pressure but also an incredible privilege and honour, so I’m really glad that I was able to contribute with a crucial point to qualify for Malaga.<\/p>\n “Obviously unfortunate for the Spanish crowd, they wanted Spain to win but I think we did really well … and now we’ll try against the Czech Republic tomorrow to clinch top spot in the group to hopefully get a better draw.”<\/p>\n Djokovic said he was fully committed to helping the 2010 Davis Cup champions in their quest for a second title in the premier men’s team competition.<\/p>\n “It was all happening really quickly within a few days and I was on a high with the US Open win and the celebration at home and leaving my family is never easy but coming to another family – my Serbian squad – gives me the greatest of joy,” he added.<\/p>\n “At the beginning of the season I said the Grand Slams and playing for my country were my priorities. I want to contribute as much as I can. Here we are, the goal is reached, we’re in the last eight. Hopefully we can keep going in the right direction.”<\/p>\n Murray dedicates Davis Cup win to grandmother after missing funeral<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over in Manchester, an emotional Andy Murray gave Britain a 1-0 lead over Switzerland by outlasting Leandro Riedi 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4 and later revealed he missed his grandmother’s funeral to play in the Group B clash.<\/p>\n Veteran Stan Wawrinka rolled back the years to level the tie by beating Cameron Norrie 7-5, 6-4 and returned to play the doubles rubber alongside Dominic Stricker, but the Swiss were no match for Dan Evans and Neal Skupski, who prevailed 6-3, 6-3.<\/p>\n In Group A, Italy delighted home fans in Bologna by taking a 2-0 lead over Chile as Matteo Arnaldi downed Cristian Garin 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 and Lorenzo Sonego overcame Nicolas Jarry 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.<\/p>\n Finland handed Croatia their second defeat in Group D with Otto Virtanen getting past Dino Prizmic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and Emil Ruusuvuori beating Borna Gojo 7-6(3), 6-4 in Split. The result meant the Netherlands advanced to the knock-outs.<\/p>\n