Djokovic: 'Defeat at Davis Cup is hard to swallow'

Spain's Novak Djokovic took responsibility for missing three consecutive match-points in his match against Jannik Sinner, costing Serbia a place in the Davis Cup final.

"I take responsibility for this defeat," the world number one tennis player said in a press conference after Serbia's match against Italy in the Davis Cup semi-finals on the evening of November 25. "I had a very good chance to bring the overall victory to the whole team but missed it. We were very close to winning."

Djokovic was disappointed when he could not take advantage of his chances in the third set of the match against Sinner on November 25 in Malaga, Spain. Photo: Davis Cup — Djokovic was disappointed when he could not take advantage of his chances in the third set of the match against Sinner on November 25 in Malaga, Spain. Photo: *Davis Cup*

Having beaten Sinner in the ATP Finals, Djokovic came very close to a similar result in the Davis Cup singles match. With the score at 5-4 in the third set for Nole, he led 40-0 in the return game and had three match points but missed them all. In the very next game, Djokovic lost the decisive service game, leading to the final defeat 2-6, 6-2, 5-7.

The 36-year-old's mentality was somewhat weighed down, causing him to lose the doubles match 3-6, 4-6 when partnering Miomir Kecmanovic. Djokovic's two losses saw Serbia eliminated in the semi-finals, despite Kecmanovic beating Lorenzo Musetti in the first singles match.

"It's sport but I still feel bitter about losing for my country," Djokovic added. "This defeat is hard to swallow. I know Sinner's level and I hoped he would drop a bit in the doubles but that didn't happen. He was in great form today, saving games many times with his serve. Italy deserved to go through."

Sinner is the first man to beat Djokovic by saving three consecutive match points. Nole rarely loses when he reaches match points. He has only lost to Mikhail Youzhny in 2007, Rafael Nadal in 2009 and Marin Cilic in 2018.

Djokovic helped Serbia win the Davis Cup in 2010. Since then, until this year's semi-final, he has only lost singles matches to Juan Martin del Potro in 2011. Sinner ended Nole's 21-match winning streak in the Davis Cup to help Italy reach their first final since 1998.

The Italian team has only won the Davis Cup once, in 1976. In the final on November 26, Italy faced Australia - last year's runner-up.

Vy Anh

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