Serbia, Czech Republic to meet in Davis Cup final
Originally published on: 16/09/13 00:00
World No.23 Janko Tipsarevic was the hero for the home side in Belgrade after seeing off Canadian youngster Vasek Pospisil in straight sets to clinch the fifth rubber and complete the Serbian comeback.
After both nations exchanged singles victories on Friday, Canada edged ahead after a dramatic day of doubles on Saturday which saw veteran Daniel Nestor and Pospisil team up to defeat Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic 6-7(6) 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) 10-8.
Djokovic levelled the tie for Serbia in the fourth rubber. The US Open finalist proved too consistent for the big-hitting Milos Raonic, who was cheered on by a large travelling contingent of Canadian fans.
“Winning the 2010 trophy was an inspiration to all of us to excel the following season on the ATP Tour and that’s why it has a very special place in my heart,” Djokovic said of representing his country. “I’ve won a number of Grand Slams but nothing compares to sharing the joy of victory with your team mates, who are there for you and cheer on every shot you take on the court in the Davis Cup.
“I think I played two outstanding matches given that I had to make a rapid change of time zones and surfaces. The home crowd support carried me to victory.”
Djokovic’s victory meant it was left to his good friend Tipsarevic to secure victory for Bogdan Obradovic’s side and despite some nervy moments when closing out the match the 29-year-old was up to the challenge, dispatching of Pospisil in straight sets to clinch a 3-2 win.
“This is one of the sweetest wins of my career and I hereby wish to thank my team mates for their support,” Tipsarevic told the crowd inside the Belgrade Arena. “See you right here in the final against the Czechs.”
Trusted duo Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek inspired the Czechs to a 3-2 win over an Argentina team who were without Juan Martin del Potro or David Nalbandian in Prague.
Stepanek, the US Open doubles champion, comfortably defeated Juan Monaco in the opening rubber before Berdych gave his country a 2-0 lead after day one with a four-set victory over Leonardo Mayer. The pair then teamed up on Saturday for doubles, defeating Carlos Berlocq and Horacio Zeballos to give the Czechs an unassailable 3-0 lead.
The final, which will take place November 15-17, will mark the 12th meeting between Serbia and Czech Republic with the latter edging the series 6-5.
Elsewhere, Spain, Netherlands, Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Belgium and Japan all secured their spots in next year’s World Group.
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