-
Important news
-
News
-
Shenzhen
-
China
-
World
-
Opinion
-
Sports
-
Kaleidoscope
-
Photo Highlights
-
Business
-
Markets
-
Business/Markets
-
World Economy
-
Speak Shenzhen
-
Leisure Highlights
-
Culture
-
Travel
-
Entertainment
-
Digital Paper
-
In-Depth
-
Weekend
-
Lifestyle
-
Diversions
-
Movies
-
Hotels and Food
-
Special Report
-
Yes Teens!
-
News Picks
-
Tech and Science
-
Glamour
-
Campus
-
Budding Writers
-
Fun
-
Futian Today
-
Advertorial
-
CHTF Special
-
Focus
-
Guide
-
Nanshan
-
Hit Bravo
-
People
-
Person of the week
-
Majors Forum
-
Shopping
-
Investment
-
Tech and Vogue
-
Junior Journalist Program
-
Currency Focus
-
Food and Drink
-
Restaurants
-
Yearend Review
-
QINGDAO TODAY
在线翻译:
szdaily -> Sports -> 
Djokovic beats Nadal, steers Serbia to ATP Cup title
    2020-01-14  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

AN emotional Novak Djokovic overpowered long-time rival Rafael Nadal and led Serbia to victory in the inaugural ATP Cup on Sunday, capping a perfect buildup to his Australian Open title defense.

The world No. 2 blasted the top-ranked Spaniard off court 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) after world No. 10 Roberto Bautista Agut caned Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 6-1 in the other singles.

A fresh Djokovic returned to Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena for the deciding doubles, but Nadal opted not to, saying his energy levels were too low, with Feliciano Lopez partnering with Pablo Carreno Busta.

But they proved no match for Djokovic and Viktor Troicki, who bounced back from a break down in the first set to romp home 6-3, 6-4 and ensure Serbia win the season-opening 24-nation team event.

Some US$15 million in prize money was at stake along with up to 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points, with new rules trialed including on-court coaching and team zones in the corners of the court.

Djokovic enjoyed the ATP Cup hugely, a different start to how he usually begins his season, reveling in the team spirit and the large Serbian crowd’s support when he played in Brisbane and Sydney.

“These team competitions are really, truly special, and I’m personally over the cloud with my emotions, and hopefully I can take that positive energy and use it for the Australian Open.”

“I’ll remember this experience for the rest of my life. It’s one of the nicest moments in my career,” said Djokovic, who was close to tears after winning the doubles.

“It was a huge team effort,” Djokovic said.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have an amazing career these last 15 years, but playing for the team, playing for my country with some of my best friends for a long time, you can’t match that. It’s too special.”

(SD-Agencies)

深圳报业集团版权所有, 未经授权禁止复制; Copyright 2010, All Rights Reserved.
Shenzhen Daily E-mail:szdaily@szszd.com.cn