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Novak Djokovic caught up in Davis Cup drama amid wild crowd scenes

Italy will face Australia in the Davis Cup final after a Jannik Sinner masterclass.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Novak Djokovic (pictured) has once again been dragged into more crowd drama at the Davis Cup as Italy defeated Serbia 2-1. (Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic (pictured) has once again been dragged into more crowd drama at the Davis Cup as Italy defeated Serbia 2-1. (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has once again been dragged into taunting the crowd at the Davis Cup after losing twice to Italian youngster Jannik Sinner in Italy's 2-1 victory over Serbia. Italy will face Australia in the Davis Cup final after Sinner saved three match points against Djokovic to comeback and win his tie against the World No.1.

The 22-year-old Sinner, enjoying a season to remember, then re-emerged to team up with Lorenzo Sonego and spray massive forehand winners around as they outplayed a by now weary-looking Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic in the doubles. The victory in the deciding tie sent Italy though to the final, which will be against Lleyton Hewitt's Australia.

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It was a crushing end to Djokovic's hopes of ending his triumphant season, which has featured three grand slam victories and an ATP Finals showdown victory over Sinner just six days ago, with a second Davis Cup title.

Djokovic was clearly frustrated during the doubles match with the crowd, not for the first at the Davis Cup in Spain, as he taunted the fans to get louder. This was reminiscent of scenes from a week ago in Turin, where he orchestrated the crowds boos.

In the quarter-final, Djokovic exploded at the Great Britain fans when the 36-year-old could be heard telling the rowdy supporters to "shut up" and show some respect by allowing him to conduct his interview. Tennis fans reacted to Djokovic's latest antics with a mixture of frustration towards the crowd and the player himself.

Novak Djokovic frustrated after Davis Cup loss

The World No.1 has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career having won three grand slams and the ATP Finals. However, the Serbian was clearly frustrated to end his season on a low having not been able to lift his nation to a Davis Cup triumph.

"For me personally, it's a huge disappointment, because I take the responsibility, obviously, having three match points, being so close to win it," said Djokovic. "Yeah, it's unfortunate really. This is sport. When you lose for your country, you know, the bitter feeling is even greater."

Novak Djokovic embraces Jannik Sinner at the net.
Jannik Sinner (pictured right) defeated Novak Djokovic (pictured left) in the Davis Cup. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Sinner was again magnificent in the doubles with Djokovic noting he hardly missed a ball and he was still looking ominously fresh after more than four hours on court. Australia will deem themselves the beneficiaries of the tie having had an extra days rest ahead of the final.

with AAP

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