Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in motion throughout his match in opposition to Austria’s Dennis Novak (REUTERS)
World primary Novak Djokovic overpowered Dennis Novak after Dusan Lajovic battled previous Gerald Melzer to present Serbia a 2-0 lead of their opener in opposition to Group F hosts Austria within the Davis Cup Finals in Innsbruck on Friday.
Djokovic, aiming to information Serbia to their first title since 2010 and their second total, made gentle work of his 28-year-old opponent, claiming a 6-3 6-2 victory in below an hour.
The 20-times main winner dropped simply six factors on serve and didn’t face a break level.
Lajovic had a a lot harder time in opposition to Melzer, the youthful brother of fellow skilled Juergen, as he was pressured to toil for a 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5 win.
The 31-year-old squandered a break benefit within the third set however recovered to transform his fourth match level and seal victory.
“It’s the Davis Cup. It’s the feelings, the stress, the stress. It’s the tight moments on a regular basis,” mentioned Lajovic. “He performed some good tennis up to now couple of months, and had confidence and confirmed it as we speak, enjoying nice tennis.
Elsewhere, Lorenzo Sonego and Jannik Sinner secured emphatic wins of their singles rubbers to present Group E hosts Italy a 2-0 lead in opposition to the USA in Turin.
Debutant Sonego received the Italians off to the proper begin with a 6-3 7-6(4) victory over big-serving Reilly Opelka with a disciplined show that included just one unforced error.
“It was not simple to play right here, however this crowd… It’s the primary time in Davis Cup and I used to be so trying ahead to this match — thanks everybody,” mentioned the 26-year-old.
World quantity 10 Sinner, who made his debut on the season-ending ATP Finals this month, put the tie past doubt as he smashed 17 winners in a 6-2 6-0 thrashing of John Isner.
“Enjoying right here was very particular,” Sinner mentioned. “At the moment we have now received already, which is nice. We’ve an excellent staff and everybody is a superb man as effectively, so we’re simply making an attempt to remain collectively. I’m very honoured to be part of this.”
In Madrid, Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno Busta helped holders Spain to a 2-0 lead over debutants Ecuador.
Veteran Lopez breezed previous Roberto Quiroz 6-3 6-3 earlier than Carreno Busta fought again from a set all the way down to beat Emilio Gomez 5-7 6-3 7-6(5).
gsg
Get the most popular sports activities information straight into your inbox
Learn Subsequent
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get entry to The Philippine Day by day Inquirer & different 70+ titles, share as much as 5 devices, hearken to the information, obtain as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Name 896 6000.
For suggestions, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
