Serbia out of Davis Cup after losing to Slovakia in the absence of Novak Djokovic

Last year’s semi-finalists were beaten 4-0 by Slovakia, meaning they have not qualified for this season’s Davis Cup group stage in September

Zuma / Panoramic

Jamie Malachy

February 3, 2024

Slovakia have qualified for the Davis Cup Finals for the first time in their history, defeating Serbia in their qualifying tie to send last year’s semi-finalists out of this season’s tournament.

Serbia were playing without their talisman and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, and they looked short of inspiration as they were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by an impressive showing from the Slovakian team.

Lukas Klein and Igor Zelenay won their doubles encounter with Nikola Cacic and Miomir Kecmanovic to move Slovakia into an unassailable 3-0 lead and clinch victory in a qualifying tie after four consecutive losses at this stage of the tournament.

This added to wins on Friday for Molcan and Klein in the singles over Dusan Lajovic and Kecmanovic respectively, before Lukas Pokorny rubbed salt in the wound for Serbia, beating Laslo Djere in the dead rubber to secure a clean-sweep of match wins for the tie.

That moment when you qualify for your first Group Stage Finals 🪩🇸🇰#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/9RutlpEYjn
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) February 3, 2024

As Slovakia celebrate a hugely significant milestone for them in the Davis Cup, the news of Serbia’s early exit will have ramifications for the current world No 1 as he looks to carefully plot his schedule for the rest of the year.

While losing out in the semi-finals to Italy last November was a bitter blow for Djokovic and team Serbia, an unexpected early departure this year may free up the No 1’s season somewhat.

In recent season, Djokovic has meticulously planned his schedule so as not to overweigh his workload and ensure he can peak at the most important times of the year for him – namely, the four Grand Slam fortnights.

While this will no doubt be of great disappointment for the 2010 Davis Cup champion, and all of his Serbian teammates, there may be some silver linings to be found amid the sting of defeat for the world No 1.

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