© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Novak Djokovic was very classy after a heartbreaking Davis Cup defeat, hailing Jannik Sinner’s forehand as “one of the fastest in the world.” In the Davis Cup Final 8 semifinal, Djokovic had a chance to seal a final ticket for Serbia.
But Djokovic missed out on three consecutive match points in a tight battle as Sinner beat the Serb 6-2 2-6 7-5 to force a deciding match in the tie. Djokovic and Sinner returned to the court shortly later as Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego beat Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-4 to seal a final ticket for Italy.
“He has one of the fastest forehands in the world, I wasn’t too surprised. I know Jannik’s qualities, but I thought he would drop a bit in doubles… But no, he maintained an extremely high level. I had many chances in singles, but he was finding great serves,” Djokovic told Serbian media.
Djokovic congratulates Sinner and his nation
At 5-4 in the third set, Djokovic had three consecutive match points on Sinner’s serve. But Djokovic then shut down and Sinner went on to win that game and the next two to seal a win over the Serb.
After the match, Djokovic looked absolutely crushed about Serbia’s Davis Cup exit. “Congratulations to Italy on reaching the next round, they deserved it. They played very well, especially Jannik, both in singles and doubles, in which he barely missed a few balls the whole match.
Hats off. A huge disappointment, I take responsibility, I had three match points, but that’s sport… When you lose for your country, the bitter taste in your mouth is even greater. At this level, against one of the best players in the world, everything happens very quickly.
I had a rally at 0-40, I missed a neutral ball from midfield. He then served well. Maybe I had a pass at 30-40, but he was coming to the net… It was hard to read his serve. Also in doubles in the second set at 0-40, kudos to him,” Djokovic said.
