Croatia have reached the Davis Cup final for the fourth time in their history after a thrilling victory over their great rivals Serbia. Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic got the final point by defeating Novak Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic 75, 61 in the doubles.
Just before, Djokovic had tied the series with a 64, 62 win over Marin Cilic after Croatian Borna Gojo once again surprised Dusan Lajovic whom he defeated 46, 63 62 in the first match. Two days ago, Djokovic said that the Davis Cup was on the same level as the Grand Slams within the great goals of his career, and did everything in his power to pull his team towards the final.
But it was not enough. This was the first series since 2013 to feature number one in singles and number one in doubles, and it was the doubles series that triumphed this time. Mektic and Pavic remain undefeated this week and have not conceded a set, a record that will make them favorites should the final be decided in match three as well.
“He (Djokovic) has shown that he is number one in singles,” Mektic said. “But fortunately it is not that modality that we were playing, we played the four-player modality. We are very happy.” Pavic added. “It was a great victory.
We play against a very tough team. Obviously Novak is the best player in the world, and in the end we did it. From the group stage to the quarterfinals, the semis, Borna and Marin played great games, and incredible doubles. We are super happy to be in the final and we are ready to play it.”
The first match of the day faced Croatian Borna Gojo, world number 279, and Serbian Dusan Lajovic, number 33.
Djokovic discusses his Davis Cup experience
Novak Djokovic’s heroics weren’t enough as Serbia lost to Croatia in the semifinals of the 2021 Davis Cup.
He leveled the tie at 1-1 after defeating Maric Cilic 6-4, 6-2 to record his 19th consecutive singles win at the tournament. “Honestly, I’m going to try to use the next days to just rejuvenate, recover, and forget about tennis,” he said.
“So right now I understand you want some answers on where I start the season, how I start it. I’m really, really tired from this season and this whole year, so I just prefer sticking to the family quality time, rehab mode, then let’s see what the future brings.”
He refused to divulge where he would start the season, but with the Australian swing around the corner, he promised to inform soon enough. “I’m not going to give you an answer tonight,” he made it clear. “I know what you want to ask me.
But you will be informed. That’s all I can tell you. I cannot give you any date. Obviously Australia is around the corner, so you will know very soon.”
