Apparently two head-to-head showdowns at the Nitto ATP Finals were not enough for Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic and Sinner are expected to meet for the third time in the span of 11 days when Serbia and Italy collide in the Davis Cup semifinals on Saturday in Malaga, Spain. After Italy won its quarterfinal tie against the Netherlands 2-1 on Thursday, Serbia swept Great Britain 2-0.
Sinner brings Italy back from brief deficit
The Italians trailed 1-0 after Matteo Arnaldi lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in a third-set tiebreaker, but Sinner came to the rescue. Following a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, the 22-year-old teamed up with Lorenzo Sonego to win the decisive doubles rubber 6-3, 6-4 against Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof.
“As I said before here, it’s nice that the last event of the year is a team event,” Sinner noted. “They can give you good energy. I think we are doing all the right things. We are a big family, and today we showed it. Everyone is giving 100 percent. That’s the least thing players can do, especially when they play for the country.”
Djokovic defeats Norrie in straight sets
Miomir Kecmanovic kicked off the nightcap by scoring a crucial 7-6(2), 7-6(6) victory over Jack Draper. With Djokovic waiting to play the second rubber, that all but clinched Serbia’s passage into the semis.
Sure enough, the world No. 1 had no trouble sealing the deal. He took care of Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4, rendering the doubles rubber unnecessary. Djokovic has now won 21 Davis Cup singles matches in a row (he last lost to Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro via retirement in the 2011 semifinals).
“In a way (it) showcases my dedication and my approach to playing for my country,” the 36-year-old said. “I really take it seriously and try to always deliver my best game. The more you win, the more you want to keep the streak going. Hopefully I can keep it going on Saturday, as well.”
Saturday will mark the sixth overall encounter between Djokovic and Sinner. The Serb leads the head-to-head series 4-1.
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