Novak Djokovic rejoices as Viktor Troicki, Filip Krajinovic, others lead Serbia into Davis Cup 2023 Finals Group Stage
Novak Djokovic reacted to Serbia's crucial Davis Cup victory this past weekend, expressing his sheer joy and excitement at the result. Serbia's win over hosts Norway has secured their spot in the 2023 Davis Cup Finals group stage as the team led by non-playing captain Viktor Troicki is gunning for Serbia's second Davis Cup title.
Despite Djokovic's absence, Serbia dominated Norway, sealing a 4-0 whitewash in Oslo. With qualification into the Finals group stage sealed, the world No. 1 praised and rejoiced in the team's victory.
Taking to social media, the Serbian great shared his message of support, expressing his happiness with a bunch of emojis.
World No. 33 Miomir Kecmanovic got the Serbs off to an ideal start with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Andreja Petrovic, before Laslo Djere saved a match point in the deciding set tiebreaker to beat Viktor Durasovic 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(8) and give the visiting team a 2-0 lead. A doubles victory for Filip Krajinovic and Nikola Cacic over Durasovic and Herman Hoeyeraal gave Serbia an unassailable 3-0 lead.
19-year-old Hamad Medjedovic, whose mentor and supporter is Djokovic himself, then beat Durasovic 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-4 to earn victory on his Davis Cup debut and complete a 4-0 whitewash.
"With Novak, I think we have a big chance to go far" -
Nikola Cacic hopes to see Novak Djokovic play in Davis Cup Finals group stage
Serbia's Nikola Cacic believes now that Serbia have qualified for the 2023 Davis Cup Finals group stage, Novak Djokovic's inclusion in the squad would give them the added belief that they can go on to win the title for the second time. The now-22-time Grand Slam champion last played in the Davis Cup in 2021 when his team reached the semifinals. Cacic hopes to see the 35-year-old join the team in September for the Finals group stage.
"With Novak, if he is in the team for the next ties, I think we have a big chance to go far. That is our goal, to go for the title," Cacic said, as per the ATP.
The 10-time Australian Open winner was in the team when Serbia won their first and only Davis Cup title to date, in 2010, with current captain Viktor Troicki his teammate back then. He made his Davis Cup debut back in 2004.
It will be interesting to see whether he plays the next round of matches with the group stage set to resume shortly after the US Open in September, where the doors to his participation are set to re-open.