Serbia without Novak Djokovic already eliminated from 2024 Davis Cup in qualifying rounds

ATP
Saturday, 03 February 2024 at 21:00
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Serbia is eliminated from the 2024 Davis Cup without the presence of Novak Djokovic. The team was led by Miomir Kecmanocvic and Dusan Lajovic, but they lost both in singles and doubles against Slovakia. With the series decided, Serbia will not advance to the next phase of the tournament.
The team did not have the world No. 1, Novak Djokovic, who, a few days ago, fell in the semifinals of the Australian Open and is preparing for his return in the Sunshine Double. The 24-times Grand Slam champion has already expressed his desire to win the Davis Cup again with his country before his retirement, something that will not be possible in 2024.
Just six weeks ago, Serbia was competing in the Davis Cup semifinals, although they fell to the eventual champion Italy. Jannik Sinner's outstanding performance, overcoming Djokovic and saving three match points, was a key factor in Italy's aspirations. Djokovic expressed his disappointment at being so close to the title for his country but falling short: "I really would like to win the Davis Cup with Serbia. That's a goal," he said last year.

Surprising victory for Slovakia

In the first match, Slovak Lukas Klein (No. 142) defeated Miomir Kecmanovic (No. 40) by 7-6(2), 6-2. In the second match, Dusan Lajovic (No. 53) tried to level the series for the Serbians, but his opponent Alex Molcan (No. 122) had a memorable performance, coming back from a set down to secure the victory 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.
With Slovakia leading 2-0, Serbia could only advance by winning the next three matches, but the hope was short-lived as they suffered a defeat in the doubles, where Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay overcame the pair of Kecmanovic and Nikola Cacic by 7-6, 6-3.
With this result, Slovakia qualifies for the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, which will be held among the top 16 teams from September 10 to 15, aiming to reach the final-8. In the case of Serbia, they will play in the 2024 Davis Cup World Group I, with the sole objective of staying among the best teams in the world and aiming for qualification in 2025.

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