PERTH, Australia (AFP) — Novak Djokovic got the party started for 2024 as he sealed a 2-1 win for Serbia over China near the stroke of midnight on Sunday at the United Cup in Perth.
The world No. 1 kicked off the new season by teaming up in mixed doubles with compatriot and longtime friend Olga Danilovic to hold off Zheng Qinwen and ATP No. 58 Zhang Zhizhen for a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory.
Glancing at his watch after his on-court interview, Djokovic then implored the house DJ to fill in for five minutes before leading the RAC stadium crowd in a rousing countdown to the midnight hour.
“Thanks to the fans for staying this late,” the winner of 24 Grand Slams said.
“We’re glad you decided to spend this special night with us.”
The Serbians were playing their first match at the competition while China now stands at 1-1.
Djokovic won his earlier singles over Zhang 6-3, 6-2 while Daniovic went down 6-4, 6-2 to her Chinese opponent Zheng, the WTA’s 2023 Most Improved Player who has risen to be world No. 15.
The 22-year-old Danilovic could not praise her celebrated teammate enough.
“This was No. 1 on my bucket list: To play with Novak and to win, I’m so happy.”
“This was an incredible match, I gave my all and I’m glad to finish 2023 like this, it could not be better.”
“I’ve looked up to Novak from the first moment I touched a racket.”
Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz had to fight through a deciding doubles match to conclude a 2-1 defeat of Britain on Sunday for the United States to stay in title contention at the United Cup.
The defending champions, who won the trophy last January over Italy, earned a 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 10-7 mixed doubles win to claim victory in Perth after the sides split the singles.
“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” said Fritz, who was broken twice in the opening set.
World No. 5 Pegula added: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.”
“It was a big win today, especially after losing such a tough singles match.”
Britain, which beat Australia to open their tournament account, took a 1-0 lead when Pegula crashed 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to Katie Boulter in the singles.
It was Boulter’s first win over a top-five player on her seventh attempt after she bounced back from a set and double-break down.
Pegula’s 10th-ranked teammate Fritz kept the tie alive despite a thigh strain he blamed on over-training, defeating Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4.
“I strained something but got through it,” Fritz said.
