After the semi-final in 2023 in Malaga against Italy, Novak Djokovic’s national team (but Nole was absent) is already saying goodbye to the competition: defeat against Slovakia in the qualifiers. The Netherlands saves themselves with a comeback against Switzerland
It’s already Davis Cup time. And it’s already time for surprises. Serbia, semi-finalists last year in Malaga against Italy, are already out of the competition: Novak Djokovic’s national team (the world number 1 did not play) lost clearly at home against Slovakia in the playoffs, on clay indoor in Kraljevo. In the final stages, therefore, Nole will not be there after having had three match points against Jannik Sinner: the final in Malaga would have given Serbia a wildcard (Italy and Australia, in fact, are in possession), a few months later the adventure in the 2024 edition it is already over.
the results
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For Slovakia, this is the first qualification for the final group stage: Serbia lost clearly, not taking home a single point between the two singles matches (Klein against Kecmanovic, Molcan against Lajovic) and the doubles. In the other matches, Brazil eliminated Sweden thanks to two victories by Thiago Monteiro (the Scandinavians played the group stage in Bologna against Italy in 2023), Germany ousted Hungary (3-2), Finland beat Portugal by winning the first three matches (starring Emil Ruusuvuori, both in singles and doubles), the United States dominated Ukraine and the Netherlands overturned Switzerland, from 1-2 to the final 3-2. In short: even Italy’s opponent in the quarter-finals in Malaga – the Orange national team – risked elimination. Davis’ qualifying rounds will continue on Sunday, but in the meantime there is already important news: Djokovic and Serbia are out. To see Italy back in action, see the group stage in September.