'I take the responsibility' – Novak Djokovic on 'bitter' season-end as Serbia miss out on Davis Cup final
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Published 25/11/2023 at 23:01 GMT
Serbia's Novak Djokovic said it was a "huge disappointment" that his country missed out on a place in the Davis Cup final. The world No. 1 was beaten by Italy’s Jannik Sinner in a singles rubber, before losing the deciding doubles match alongside Miomir Kecmanovic. Djokovic admitted the overall defeat had left him with a "bitter feeling". Italy will go on to play Australia in Sunday's final.
Davis Cup highlights: Sinner saves three match points to beat Djokovic and keep tie alive
Novak Djokovic has admitted Serbia's exit from the Davis Cup was a "huge disappointment", after seeing three match points evaporate against Jannik Sinner in the pair's epic singles rubber.
Italy booked a place in the Davis Cup final at the expense of Serbia, with Djokovic losing twice at Malaga's Palacio de los Deportes.
Miomir Kecmanovic had given Serbia the lead with a 6-7(7) 6-1 6-1 victory over Lorenzo Musetti in the opening singles rubber, but Sinner levelled the tie with a thrilling 6-2 2-6 7-5 win over Djokovic.
It therefore went down to a deciding doubles rubber, with Sinner joined by Lorenzo Sonego and Djokovic partnering Kecmanovic.
And it was the Italian duo that clinched it, triumphing 6-3 6-4, putting them into a showdown with Australia in Sunday's final.
Djokovic's failure to convert those three - consecutive - match points against Sinner allowed his opponent back into the clash.
It was a disappointing end to a fantastic season for the world No. 1, which has included victories at the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, and a record seventh title at the ATP Finals.
"Congratulations to Italy for qualifying for the finals," Djokovic said afterwards. "They deserved it. They played really well, particularly Jannik, in singles against me and then doubles, as well. He barely missed a ball the entire match.
"For me personally it’s a huge disappointment, because I take the responsibility, obviously having three match points, being so close to winning it. It’s unfortunate really. This is sport. When you lose for your country, the bitter feeling is even greater."
The 36-year-old Djokovic refused to use fatigue as a reason for his performance in the semi-final.
"I don’t want to talk about it because it’s going to sound like an excuse," he said.
"Obviously this is a tough one to swallow. I was really trying to hype myself and encourage myself for this week.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia looks on in press conference after the Semi-Final match against Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in Davis Cup Final at Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena on November 25, 2023 in Malaga, Spain.
Image credit: Getty Images
"Throughout the entire season, my thoughts were this week with my Davis Cup team. I tried to contribute. I did in the first tie, but today it wasn’t meant to be."
Italy will compete in their first Davis Cup final since 1998, spurred on by the presence of world No. 4 Sinner.
"It means a lot," the 22-year-old said. "I think I have to be really proud about how I handled the situation.
"I’m just very happy for all of us, for the team, and tomorrow we have a great opportunity.
"We know this but, in the other way, we will try to stay as relaxed as possible, keeping a smile in our head, which is important also, and then also to be happy to be here."
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