Djokovic: 'Losing in the Davis Cup is hard to swallow'

Spanish player Novak Djokovic took responsibility for missing three consecutive match points against Jannik Sinner, which cost Serbia their place in the Davis Cup final.

"I take responsibility for this loss," the world number one said in a press conference after Serbia's Davis Cup semi-final match against Italy on November 25. "I had a very good chance to bring the team the win but I missed it. We were very close to victory."

Djokovic was disappointed at not being able to capitalize on opportunities in the third set of his match against Sinner on November 25th in Malaga, Spain. Photo: Davis Cup

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

The 36-year-old's mental state was somewhat affected, leading him to lose the doubles match 3-6, 4-6 when partnering with Miomir Kecmanovic. Djokovic's two losses eliminated Serbia in the semi-finals, despite Kecmanovic winning the first singles match against Lorenzo Musetti.

"That's how sports are, but I still feel bitter about losing while representing my country," Djokovic added. "This defeat is hard to swallow. I know Sinner's caliber and had hoped he would falter a bit in the doubles match, but that didn't happen. He was in superb form today, saving games several times with his serve. Italy deserved to advance."

Sinner was the first player to defeat Djokovic by saving three consecutive match points. Nole rarely loses when he reaches match point. He has only lost to three players: Mikhail Youzhny in 2007, Rafael Nadal in 2009, and Marin Cilic in 2018.

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

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

Vy Anh

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