Djokovic brings Serbia level with France
World number three hits back to restore Davis Cup final.
BELGRADE:
Novak Djokovic fired a blistering 62 winners to defeat Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 and pull Serbia level at 1-1 after the opening day of the Davis Cup final against France.
The world number three clinched his sixth singles win in six outings this year in the tournament as Serbia, backed by a noisy, passionate home crowd at the Belgrade Arena, kept their dream of a first Davis Cup title firmly on track.
Djokovic was always in control against world number 42 Simon, who had been handed the second French singles berth in the absence of injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and wrapped up the rubber after 2 hours 18 minutes on a fourth match point.
“Definitely it’s an advantage for the home team playing in front of their people,” said Djokovic. “To be able to have this support is really relevant.”
Earlier, Gael Monfils, the French number one had handed nine-time champions France a 1-0 lead with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 victory over Djokovic’s teammate Janko Tipsarevic.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2010.
Novak Djokovic fired a blistering 62 winners to defeat Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 and pull Serbia level at 1-1 after the opening day of the Davis Cup final against France.
The world number three clinched his sixth singles win in six outings this year in the tournament as Serbia, backed by a noisy, passionate home crowd at the Belgrade Arena, kept their dream of a first Davis Cup title firmly on track.
Djokovic was always in control against world number 42 Simon, who had been handed the second French singles berth in the absence of injured Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and wrapped up the rubber after 2 hours 18 minutes on a fourth match point.
“Definitely it’s an advantage for the home team playing in front of their people,” said Djokovic. “To be able to have this support is really relevant.”
Earlier, Gael Monfils, the French number one had handed nine-time champions France a 1-0 lead with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 victory over Djokovic’s teammate Janko Tipsarevic.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2010.