Novak Djokovic ranks Serbia’s maiden Davis Cup title above his Australian Open crown
World number three Novak Djokovic ranked Serbia’s momentous Davis Cup victory above the Australian Open title he won in Melbourne in 2008.
The professional tennis ace from Serbia along with his compatriot Viktor swept their country to its maiden Davis Cup crown on Sunday, after getting the better of nine-time champion France 3-2 in the final.
Viktor, who is currently ranked number thirty in the South African Airways ATP list, got past Michael Llodra of France in three sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. Earlier Novak Djokovic had toppled Gael Monfils in three sets to level the best-of-five
series at 2-2 against France. The final match score was 6-2, 6-2, and 6-4. It was his sixth victory in six Davis Cup singles rubbers this year.
When Djokovic was asked about the significance of the Davis Cup following his team's win in the competition, he said that it ranks top among his overall career achievements on the tour. His confidence gained a huge boost after
the home side managed to bounce back from a 2-1 deficit in the doubles rubber against Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra earlier on Saturday.
Djokovic added, "We were trying not to lose our heads, but still you could feel the disappointment after the doubles match because we were so close to winning, and then so much pressure playing in front of our crowd. To be able
to perform as well as we did today under the circumstances is just too good.”
World number thirty, Viktor Troicki , on the other hand, did well to hold his serve after replacing Janko Tipsarevic for the final rubber. The 24-year-old said that the victory is just like a dream come true for him. The right-hander
praised all his team members for playing so well at such key moments, and handling the pressure smartly to emerge victorious in the end.
While the Serbian team members celebrated win by shaving their heads, the French skipper Guy Forget was furious with sections of the crowd at the Belgrade Arena.
He was angry that some of the spectators whistled and shouted out in an effort to disrupt Michael Llodra. Forget told reporters, "We heard whistles when the French team was serving and when the ball was in the air. It was only a small minority but it really
is intolerable. We have to take measures against this kind of thing. You do not see it in other Davis Cup clashes, even in South America."
This win will rank alongside Serbia's previous best sporting performances such as the Olympic volleyball gold medal in 2000 and the 2001 European basketball crown.
It has also improved the former Yugoslavia's record in the Davis Cup, with three semi-final appearances back in 1988, 89 and 91 being their best showings.
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