Sydney (AP) – Even without world number one Novak Djokovic, Serbia started with a victory in the ATP Cup for tennis professionals. The 2020 title winner beat Norway 2-1.
The decisive point was won by the pair Nikola Cacic and Filip Krajinovic 7: 6 (7: 3), 6: 3 against Casper Ruud and Viktor Durasovic.
Djokovic is not at the team event in preparation for the Australian Open. It is still uncertain whether the 34-year-old will start at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Melbourne. Only players who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus are allowed to participate in the Australian Open. Djokovic has always left his vaccination status open.
The Greek team had to defeat Poland 1: 2 in the first group game of the ATP Cup. The world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas decided not to play singles due to elbow problems and only got one point in doubles with Michail Pervolarakis. “I’ll wait another day to see how I’m doing. I would love to play the singles,” said Tsitsipas, referring to the second group game against Argentina on Monday.
The upcoming Greek opponents prevailed 3-0 against Georgia. Spain defeated Chile in two singles and one double with the same result. The Iberians are at the start without Rafael Nadal. The four winners from the four groups of four reach the semi-finals in the team competition.
The German team with Olympic champions Alexander Zverev, Jan-Lennard Struff, Kevin Krawietz, Tim Pütz and Yannick Hanfmann will face Great Britain on Sunday. There are also duels with the USA and Canada. The Australian Open as the first Grand Slam tournament of the year begins on January 17th in Melbourne.
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