MATCH REPORT | 2024 United Cup: Novak DJOKOVIC begins new season with commanding win for Serbia over Zhizhen ZHANG
ATPSunday, 31 December 2023 at 12:53
Novak Djokovic has started his 2024 season putting Serbia into an early commanding position during the United Cup. He saw off Zhizhen Zhang for China in a commanding win 6-3, 6-2 as they lead 1-0.
Djokovic cruised past his opponent showing no rust likely aided by playing an exhibition in Riyadh during Christmas week. After a few early games analysing his opponent's weapons, he took him apart in the rallies and also his second serve which led to an easy win. In the opening set, Djokovic lost only a few points on serve and faced no break points.
In the second set, Djokovic continued to not face any break points as despite going 40-30 up in the first game, Zhang let his serve go at 1-0. It was then a comprehensive dismantling as Djokovic went 3-0 up in the second. He finally held onto his serve and also saved a match point at 5-1 down. But in the next game, Djokovic found his way past his opponent as he claimed the win on his third match point.
He will now likely have to play doubles, with Qinwen Zheng who anchored from the front in China's win over Czech Republic being the strongest women's player on both teams. She faces Olga Danilovic shortly with both players who were involved in the singles slated to return for mixed doubles. So likelihood is it'll be Qinwen Zheng and Zhizhen Zhang v Djokovic and Danilovic this afternoon for the win.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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