Davis Cup
On Monday night Serbia was on high again, this time not for football or basketball, Tennis was the new reason for joy in the Soviet country. The Davis Cup now belongs to Serbia who played hosts to under-rated France and defeated them in a difficult final. The celebrations across the country were as wild as it would be after a soccer triumph or an Ice-hockey victory. Although Serbia had the advantage of playing in their own backyard and being supported 40,000 fans in Belgrade, their performance deserved a victory.
France shocked the hosts in the first rubber itself when Gael Monfils destroyed Janko Tipsarevic and won the psychological advantage for his team. Serbia fought back through Novak Djokovic who won both of his singles rubbers. France equalized with a doubles victory and shrugged off a huge burden of their chest.
It all came down to the final rubber between Michael Llodra and Viktor Troicki and the winner of the match would take the Davis Cup crown for their respective teams- perfect climax. It was a great competition between talent and intent, support and nerves, advantage and opportunity. After a close encounter Viktor Troicki’s backhand winner past Michael Llodra proved to be the deciding point and Serbia had won a crown in a sport that was never their strong point.
The ‘Belgrade Brigade’ kept up their promise they made to their country. They shaved their heads in joy of the irreplaceable victory. They joy in Serbia shows that Davis Cup is still a precious title although other tournaments across the globe offer much more money. The prestige that Davis Cup carries has propelled Serbian Tennis to new heights as the champions are now considered as one of the super-powers of tennis.
Serbian talisman and world number 3 Novak Djokovic said that his victory was the most special one, even more special than the Australian open he had won this year. Serbia has undoubtedly reached its pinnacle in tennis as this little nation has already provided stars like Djokovic, Tipsarevic, Anna Ivanovic and Jalena Jankovic. Things are certainly looking great as far as tennis is concerned in this sport loving country.
Tags: Belgrade Brigade, Davis Cup, France, Gael Monfils, Janko Tipsarevic, Michael Llodra, Novak Djokovic, Serbia, Tennis, Viktor Troicki
