ATP Cup 2021: Novak Djokovic wins for Serbia, Rafael Nadal misses opening game for Spain
The ATP Cup is a global tournament, involving players, who play as a team for their respective nation. Serbia is the defending champion, having won the title last year, the tournament’s inaugural edition. It is being held at the Melbourne Park.
FollowThe 2021 edition of ATP is off to a great start, with defending champion Serbia winning on Day 1. It is also the second edition of the tournament, which began last year and is held in Australia, currently being played at the Melbourne Park.
Day 1 saw Serbia getting off to a stellar title defence in Group A, against Canada. Although Serbia lost the opening game, with Milos Raonic defeating Dušan Lajović in straight sets (6-3, 6-4), world number one Novak Djokovic levelled things up, by beating Denis Shapovalov in straight sets (7-5, 7-5). Meanwhile, it was in the doubles game, where Djokovic and Filip Krajinović defeated Raonic and Shapovalov (7-5, 7-6).
“It’s a pleasure to see them in such big numbers. Whenever they can, they show up. Last year it was amazing. That was probably the best support outside of Belgrade that we ever had. We need that. In this kind of competition, it’s necessary,” said the world number one following the game, reports AP.
In Group B, Spain was off to a winning start as well, against Australia. However, it was notable for world number 2, Rafael Nadal missing out. In the opening game, Pablo Carreño Busta got the better of John Millman in straight sets (6-2, 6-4), while Roberto Bautista Agut beat Alex de Minaur in three sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-4).
ALSO READ: From Rafael Nadal to Novak Djokovic: 6 male tennis players to watch out in 2021
Nadal had a stiff back but is expected to be back for the next game. “Hi all, we have decided with #TeamSpain and my team, to not play today the first match of the @ATPCup here in #Melbourne, since I have a stiff low back. Hopefully, I’ll be better for Thursday. We have a strong team, all the best to @pablocarreno91 @BautistaAgut & @M_Granollers #vamos” he tweeted.
In Group C, Italy was off to a winning start, edging past Austria 2-1. The opening game saw Dennis Novak defeat Fabio Fogini (6-3, 6-2), before Italy bounced back, with Matteo Berrettini beating Dominic Thiem (6-2, 6-4), while the Italian pair also outlasted the Austrians in the doubles game (6-1, 6-4).
As for Group D, it was Russia that outplayed Argentina. While Andrey Rublev defeated Guido Pella (6-1, 6-2), Daniil Medvedev got rid of Diego Schwartzman (7-5, 6-3).
