Serbia and Italy rallied in their respective qualifying rounds against Canada and Austria to add their first win in the ATP Cup group stage. Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini They solved the initial defeats of Dusan Lajovic and Fabio Fognini and also signed up for the doubles to turn the adverse markers.
Lajovic could not with a solid Milos Raonic, who supported by his excellent service won 6-3 and 6-4. But then the number one in the world appeared at the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic was unimpressed by Denis Shapovalov's warlike ardor and put his victory back on track in a first-set final that he celebrated as if he had won another Grand Slam, with a terrible scream in the face of his opponent. With his infinite talent for rhythm control, the Belgrade man managed the game and did not grant a single opportunity to break the good old Shapovalov, who put attitude and tried everything without success (double 7-5). The series went to the point of doubles and Djokovic was paired with a sensation Filip Krajinovic who carried the weight of the game and was brilliant near the net. The Balkans took the victory in two sets, thanks to a tiebreaker in which Nole took a step forward (7-5 and 7-6 (4). Suffered victory while awaiting the duel against Germany on Thursday.
Berrettini gallon strip
Matteo Berrettini, the best player that Italy has, at least according to the ranking, resolved a ballot that had become very complicated for his team after the disappointing defeat of Fabio Fognini against Dennis Novak 6-3 and 6-2 in just over an hour. The Roman player played a magnificent game against world number three, Dominic Thiem, whom he beat by a clear 6-2 and 6-4 with great superiority. Against a player of that stature, Berrettini only had one break ball against him, although he lost it. But he broke the serve of his rival four times, quite weak and blurred. Matteo's upward trend was confirmed in a doubles in which Fognini's experience did serve against Thiem and Novak (6-1 and 6-4). On Thursday, Italy will meet France.
Medvedev seals victory for Russia
Daniil Medvedev sealed the victory for Russia in his ATP Cup debut against Argentina (2-1) by beating Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3. The Muscovite established in this way a 6-0 in the face to face that he maintains with the Buenos Aires player.
Russia was the first team to get a fast-track win after Serbia and Italy did so in the morning shift after winning the deciding doubles. In addition, the high level shown by the two singles players, Medvedev and Rublev, immediately positioned their team as a serious candidate for the title.
Regarding the match, the reigning champion of the ATP Finals amended his carelessness in the first round, which started with a 3-0 deficit. After finally winning the first round 7-5, his mettle returned in the second sleeve and closed the game with a comfortable 6-3. In the doubles match, González and Zeballos secured Argentina's point with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Karatsev and Rublev.
Results and standings of the ATP Cup.