Novak Djokovic ‘ready for a holiday’ after Serbia’s Davis Cup hopes ended by Russia
Novak Djokovic said he is ready for a holiday after admitting that Serbia’s Davis Cup defeat to Russia was a tough one to take.
Djokovic was on the court for the deciding doubles rubber, but was unable to get Serbia over the line in what was a fascinating exchange.
A dramatic contest against Khachanov and Andrey Rublev that saw Djokovic need treatment to his troublesome elbow and the Serbian pair argue with the umpire as it came down to a deciding tie-break.
Serbia had three match points but could not take any of them, with Djokovic’s partner Viktor Troicki scooping a horrible volley long on the third one, and Russia made them pay to reach the last four for the first time since 2008 with a 6-4 4-6 7-6 (8) victory.
“I was just thinking about how to be the best version of myself and, of course, in a pair with Viktor on the court, that’s all.
“To get the final point, this match was a roller coaster match with a lot of turnarounds and very, very emotional, very tense.
“And, as I said, life goes on. I’m exhausted and just ready to have a holiday.
“I will respectfully disagree with you that sport is only about and all about defeat and victory. I think it’s much more than that.
“We don’t start playing tennis because we want to win in life, but because we enjoy what we do.
RELATED: Novak Djokovic calls for Davis Cup and ATP Cup merger
“But, of course, winning and losing at the professional level, professional competition level, obviously affects greatly your mood and, of course, your career, and whatnot.
“So, of course it hurts, it hurts us really badly, me personally as well. There’s not much to say, you know.”
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