Novak Djokovic, the undisputed world No. 1, is getting ready to etching one other chapter in his illustrious profession in Malaga as he spearheads Serbia’s quest for Davis Cup glory, a feat he final achieved in 2010.
With Serbia among the many elite eight nations surviving from September’s group part, the showdown towards Britain on Thursday guarantees high-stakes drama on the court docket.
However, this tennis extravaganza is not only about Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of excellence; it’s primarily about his nationwide satisfaction and athletic prowess.
Tuesday sees reigning champions Canada lock horns with Finland, whereas on Wednesday, the Czech Republic faces off towards Australia.
Adding to the suspense, Italy goes head-to-head with the Netherlands on Thursday.
Djokovic’s 2023 season reads like a fairytale – all 4 Grand Slam finals conquered, three titles claimed, and a record-breaking 24 main triumphs that propelled him previous the legendary Rafa Nadal.
The crescendo of his season echoed on Sunday as he dispatched Italy’s Jannik Sinner to clinch a document seventh ATP Finals title.
Yet, the maestro hungers for extra. At 36, Djokovic units his sights on main Serbia to the Davis Cup, a prize that has eluded them since his pivotal function within the memorable 2010 victory towards France in Belgrade.
“The season is not finished yet. I really would like to win the Davis Cup with Serbia. That’s a goal. It’s an important week for us, for our nation. We’ll do our best,” he mentioned.
Serbia’s path is considerably smoothed by the absence of key British gamers, Dan Evans and Andy Murray, on account of accidents.
Still, Britain fields a formidable squad, that includes world No. 18 Cameron Norrie and the rising star Jack Draper, together with a strong doubles lineup led by world No. 3 Neal Skupski.
Canada, contemporary from their triumph final yr, seeks to show their mettle once more.
Felix Auger-Aliassime, a part of the victorious Canadian squad, exudes confidence: “Whenever we come together as a team, we always have belief that we can win.”
Despite the absence of injured Denis Shapovalov, the skilled Milos Raonic leads Canada towards a Finnish squad, buoyed by their nation’s best-ever Davis Cup end result.
Australia, a standard Davis Cup powerhouse, goals to interrupt a 20-year title drought.
Under the management of Captain Lleyton Hewitt, the group, together with high singles participant Alex De Minaur, exudes ardour and satisfaction. De Minaur, who trains in Alicante and Marbella, considers the Davis Cup a “home tournament.”
For Italy’s Jannik Sinner, the Davis Cup offers an opportunity at redemption after his ATP Finals loss to Djokovic.
Leading a formidable Italian aspect, Sinner’s squad enters as favorites towards the Dutch.
Beyond the courts, Djokovic’s ambitions prolong to the elusive Olympic gold in 2024.
Despite a shocking 2023 season, together with three extra Grand Slam wins and a Wimbledon last, the Serbian powerhouse will not be resting.
With an eye fixed on Paris 2024, Djokovic acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from clay to grass and again in a condensed summer season schedule however stays undeterred in his pursuit of Olympic glory.
Source: www.dailysabah.com