Novak Djokovic returned to the court docket simply 5 days after his historic U.S. Open title triumph to steer Serbia into the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Friday, whereas Andy Murray helped Britain edge previous Switzerland.
World primary Djokovic eased to a 6-3, 6-4 success towards Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to present his nation an unassailable 2-0 lead in Valencia after Laslo Djere’s earlier 6-4, 6-4 win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
It was Djokovic’s first look within the group competitors since Serbia’s semi-final loss to Croatia in 2021.
The 36-year-old received a record-equalling twenty fourth Grand Slam title final weekend with a straight-sets triumph towards Daniil Medvedev within the U.S. Open closing.
“I’m on cloud nine with everything that has happened recently on the tennis court,” Djokovic mentioned.
“Playing for Serbia, for my country, is something completely different.
“It’s an enormous accountability and strain, nevertheless it’s additionally a privilege and an honour.”
Djokovic took the opening set against world number 25 Davidovich Fokina with a single break in the eighth game, before battling back from 4-1 down in the second set with a run of five straight games.
Serbia have now secured a spot in the knock-out phase which will be played in Malaga in November, after also seeing off South Korea 3-0 on Tuesday, while Spain are out of the competition.
“It can create some strain,” said Djere on having Djokovic back in the team.
“But I strive to not put any strain on myself and use it as motivation. I feel I managed fairly good in doing so.”
Djokovic played a starring role when Serbia won their only previous Davis Cup title in 2010.
Serbia wrapped up a 3-0 victory in the Group C tie as Nikola Cacic and Miomir Kecmanovic beat Davidovich Fokina and Marcel Granollers 6-4, 7-6 (15/13).
They will round off their group campaign against the Czech Republic on Saturday.
Britain post second win
An emotional Murray won the opening rubber of Britain’s victory over Switzerland before revealing he had missed his grandmother’s funeral to play.
“Today is a tricky day for me, it is my Gran’s funeral at present,” Murray said after his epic 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 6-4, win over Leandro Riedi at the Manchester Arena.
“I’m sorry to my household that I’m not in a position to be there however Gran, this one’s for you.”
The 36-year-old had solely misplaced three of his earlier 35 singles matches within the competitors however wanted each ounce of ability and competitiveness to see his well beyond 21-year-old Riedi, who was making his Davis Cup debut.
The Swiss levelled the tie as veteran Stan Wawrinka quietened the gang with a 7-5, 6-4 win towards Cameron Norrie.
But Dan Evans and Neal Skupski brushed apart Dominic Stricker and Wawrinka 6-3, 6-3 as Britain made it two wins from two in Group B after additionally beating Australia earlier within the week.
Britain can safe a last-eight berth in the event that they beat France on Sunday, whereas even a loss could possibly be sufficient relying on the results of Saturday’s tie between Switzerland and Australia.
Italy bounced again from their shock opening defeat by depleted reigning champions Canada in Group A, downing Chile 3-0.
Youngster Matteo Arnaldi battled previous Cristian Garin 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 earlier than Lorenzo Sonego edged out Nicolas Jarry 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Sonego then teamed up with Lorenzo Musetti for a 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) doubles victory towards Tomas Barrios Vera and Alejandro Tabilo.
Finland saved their hopes of progressing alive with a 2-1 win over Croatia of their Group D conflict in Split.