SYDNEY — It took some on-the-spot shot-making genius to get captains and players from both teams applauding, and to separate Novak Djokovic from Daniil Medvedev in the deciding third set of a victory that earned Serbia a spot in the ATP Cup final. Second-ranked Djokovic dominated the first set Saturday, devising a plan to break down the big Russian's strengths, before Medvedev rallied to level the match. Djokovic got the pivotal break in a long fifth game after a protracted rally ended in an exchange of volleys and drop shots. He raised both arms to celebrate, almost an early victory. But Medvedev pushed him to the end, forcing Djokovic to produce some of his best tennis as he served for the match.

Source: International New York Times January 11, 2020 05:43 UTC