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Novak Djokovic is back on the court five days after securing his 24th Major title. Novak traveled to Valencia, joining Serbia's Davis Cup team and leading his country against the host nation Spain. Djokovic met Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second rubber, scoring a 6-3, 6-4 victory in an hour and 48 minutes to send his country over the top.
Serbia beat Spain 2-0, qualifying for the Davis Cup Finals, with Laslo Djere ousting Albert Ramos Vinolas in the first due. With this win, Novak joined Nenad Zimonjic on 43 Davis Cup triumphs, topping the leaderboard for his country.
Djokovic served well in the opening set and broke Davidovich Fokina once to open a 6-3 gap. Suddenly, the Spaniard raised his level in the second set and forged a 4-1 advantage. Novak stayed calm and rattled off five games to emerge at the top and preserve energy.
Djokovic served at 76% and dominated with his first serve, winning 33 out of 41 points.
Novak Djokovic secured his 43rd Davis Cup victory in Valencia.
The Serb struggled on the second serve but faced only one break point, delivering three return games from five opportunities to emerge at the top.
Both players made a strong start, with no chances for the returners in the opening seven games. World no. 1 held at 15 with a service winner in the seventh game, opening a 4-3 gap and keeping the pressure on the other side. Davidovich Fokina served in the eighth game, turning it into a rollercoaster.
The Spaniard missed seven game points and got broken after the Serb's crafty play at the net. Novak wrapped up the set with his trademark backhand down the line winner in the ninth game, opening a 6-3 gap after 51 minutes.
Alejandro served well at the start of the second set and created his only break chance in the fourth game. The home player painted a backhand down the line winner to grab a break and forge a 3-1 advantage. The Spaniard served wll in the next one, extending the gap and keeping the pressure on the other side.
Djokovic broke back in game seven, reducing the deficit and gaining a boost. The Serb locked the result at 4-4 with a hold at 15, eager for more return chances in the next one. Novak broke Alejandro at love in the ninth game, opening a 5-4 gap and serving for the victory.
World no. 1 sealed the deal with a hold at 15 in game ten following his rival's forehand error, celebrating and propelling Serbia toward the Davis Cup Finals.