Novak Djokovic began the year with some of his latest aspirations frustrated, including the Davis Cup and the possibility of achieving the Golden Slam. Despite not being part of the team in this series against Slovakia, the Serbians were massive favorites, but they were in for a surprise as they were eliminated, paving the way for Slovakia to reach the Finals of the tournament.
The 24-times Grand Slam champion had aimed to win the Davis Cup again with Serbia and pursue the Golden Slam – winning all four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold medal in the same year, a feat achieved only by Steffi Graf in the history of tennis.
Djokovic's relentless pursuit of winning everything and his immense dominance over a significant part of the Tour, as the world No. 1, aims for the highest peaks. The Australian Open, a tournament he has won 10 times, seemed like the perfect stage to kickstart a successful year. However, 'Nole' suffered an upset in the semifinals against Jannik Sinner, ending his 33-match winning streak in Melbourne.
Undoubtedly, a significant disappointment for Djokovic, which now adds to Serbia's exit from the Davis Cup without the presence of the world No. 1. This means that Serbia will not be in the Finals and will have to fight to at least stay in the qualification phase for the year 2025.
Last year, Djokovic came close with Serbia, reaching the Davis Cup semifinals and even holding a match point in a crucial encounter against Sinner. However, Sinner emerged victorious, propelling Italy to the final where they secured the title against Australia.
Nevertheless, Djokovic still has three Grand Slams ahead and the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. 'Nole' has yet to secure an Olympic medal in his four Olympic participations, coming close with a 4th place finish in London and Tokyo.
The triumph not only belonged to the visiting Slovakia, but it was an overwhelming 4-0 victory played on clay in Kraljevo, Serbia. The first day witnessed defeats for Miomir Kecmanovic (No. 40) against Lukas Klein (No. 143), followed by Alex Molcan (No. 122) overcoming Dusan Lajovic (No. 53), putting Slovakia ahead 2-0.
Serbia's hopes quickly faded in the doubles, as Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay secured consecutive set victories against Nikola Cacic and Kecmanovic. Finally, Lukas Pokorny (No. 589) stepped up to challenge Laslo Djere (No. 35), even though the series had already been decided. Djere retired in the first set, handing Slovakia a 4-0 victory.
