Novak Djokovic acquired the celebration began for 2024 as he sealed a 2-1 win for Serbia over China close to the stroke of midnight on Sunday on the United Cup in Perth. The world primary kicked off the brand new season by teaming up in blended doubles with compatriot and longtime pal Olga Danilovic to carry off Zheng Qinwen and ATP quantity 58 Zhang Zhizhen for a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory. Glancing at his watch after his on-court interview, Djokovic then implored the home DJ to fill in for 5 minutes earlier than main the RAC stadium crowd in a rousing countdown to the midnight hour.

“Thanks to the fans for staying this late,” the winner of 24 Grand Slams mentioned.

“We’re glad you decided to spend this special night with us.”

The Serbs have been taking part in their first match on the competitors whereas China now stand 1-1.

Djokovic received his earlier singles over Zhang 6-3, 6-2 whereas Daniovic went down 6-4, 6-2 to her Chinese opponent Zheng, the WTA’s 2023 Most Improved Player who has risen to be world quantity 15.

The 22-year-old Danilovic couldn’t reward her celebrated teammate sufficient.

“This was number one on my bucket list – to play with Novak and to win, I’m so happy.

“This was an unimaginable match, I gave my all and I’m glad to complete 2023 like this, it couldn’t be higher.

“I’ve looked up to Novak from the first moment I touched a racquet.”

Defending champions USA win

Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz needed to combat by a deciding doubles match to conclude a 2-1 defeat of Britain on Sunday for the United States to remain in title rivalry on the United Cup.

The defending champions, who received the trophy final January over Italy, earned a 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 10-7 blended doubles win to assert victory in Perth after the edges break up the singles.

“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” mentioned Fritz, who was damaged twice within the opening set.

World quantity 5 Pegula added: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.

“It was an enormous win at the moment, particularly after dropping such a tricky singles match.”

Britain, who beat Australia to open their tournament account, took a 1-0 lead when Pegula crashed 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to Katie Boulter in the singles.

It was Boulter’s first win over a top-five player on her seventh attempt after she bounced back from a set and double-break down.

Pegula’s 10th-ranked teammate Fritz kept the tie alive despite a thigh strain he blamed on over-training, defeating Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4.

“I strained one thing however acquired by it,” said Fritz. “Cam and I’ve performed so many instances (14). It’s at all times a battle, at all times shut.”

In Sydney, Leylah Fernandez led Canada to a fighting victory over Chile with the former US Open finalist winning her singles rubber and then backing up in a decisive mixed doubles.

The 35th-ranked Fernandez got Canada off to a perfect start, cruising past Chile’s Daniela Seguel 6-2, 6-3 in 73 minutes.

With Canadian number one Felix Auger-Aliassime sitting out the men’s singles, 314th-ranked Steven Diez stepped up but was toppled by world number 19 Nicolas Jarry 7-5, 6-4.

It set up a deciding mixed doubles, with Fernandez teaming with Diez to battle past Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera 7-5, 4-6, 10-8.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of the way in which I performed,” said Fernandez, who was part of the Canadian team that won the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time this year.

The 21-year-old broke five times in her singles clash against a player in her first WTA Tour-level singles match in nearly two years, using the serve-and-volley tactic well.

“First match of the season so had some nerves, however proud of the way in which I used to be in a position to deal with it,” she said.

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