Playing for the first time since winning his 24th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, Novak Djokovic continued his winning ways with a 6-3, 6-4 Davis Cup win against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday. Djokovic’s victory in Valencia clinched the tie for Serbia and secured the nation its place in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga in November.

“I’m on cloud nine, as you can say, with everything the has been happening lately on the tennis court,” Djokovic said post-match, alluding to his titles in Cincinnati and at the US Open. “Obviously playing for Serbia, for my country, is something completely different. It’s a huge responsibility and pressure, but also an incredible privilege and honour.

“I’m really glad that I was able to contribute with a crucial point to qualify for Malaga with this win.”

Djokovic trailed 1-4 in the second set against Davidovich Fokina but won the final five games to secure a straight-sets victory. He was broken on the only break point he faced in the match, but made up for it by converting on three of his five break chances. Djokovic finished a strong serving day with 10 aces and an 80 per cent win rate (33/41) on first serve.

“He was playing really aggressive, taking the ball early and not giving me much time,” the Serbian said of his opponent. “It was really tough, but when it mattered, I think I came up with the goods and played some good tennis.”

The 36-year-old is seeking to lead his nation to its second Davis Cup title, having helped Serbia to its first crown in 2010 and a runner-up finish in 2013.

Laslo Djere opened the tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win against Albert Ramos-Vinolas to give Serbia a 1-0 lead against hosts Spain, who are now eliminated from contention for the Final 8. The Serbian doubles team of Nikola Cacic and Miomir Kecmanovic completed a 3-0 sweep with a 6-4, 7-6(13) win against Davidovich Fokina and Marcel Granollers.

Serbia will face Czech Republic, who are also qualified for the Final 8, on Saturday to determine who finishes first in Group C.

Finland defeats Croatia in Group D

Match wins from Otto Virtanen and Emil Ruusuvuori earned Finland victory in its Group D matchup against Croatia on Friday. With the result, Finland improves to 1-1 in the Davis Cup Finals group stage, setting up what will function as a knockout tie against the United States (also 1-1) on Saturday.

🇫🇮 Emil Ruusuvuori defeats Borna Gojo and takes the tie to 2-0 💪#DavisCup | @tennisfi pic.twitter.com/vMUaarYkQC

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 15, 2023

The Netherlands, currently in first place in the group at 2-0, are now guaranteed a spot in the Final 8.

In Split, Virtanen opened Friday’s tie with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win against Croatia’s Dino Prizmic before Ruusuvuori made it 2-0 with a 7-6(3), 6-4 win against Borna Gojo.

Wins from Andy Murray and the doubles duo of Daniel Evans and Neal Skupski secured Great Britain a 2-1 Davis Cup victory against Switzerland on Friday in Manchester.

Murray earned a marathon three-set win against Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi to earn Great Britain a 1-0 lead in the tie. Following the match, Murray shared that Friday was also the day of his grandmother’s funeral, which he was not able to attend.

“Gran, that one’s for you,” an emotional Murray said to close his on-court interview.

The Briton defeated Riedi 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4 in a three-hour, 10-minute marathon. Murray led 5-2 in the opening set and had two set points on return at 5-3, and a further two in the first-set tie-break, but he was forced to rescue the rubber from a set down to give Great Britain a 1-0 lead.

Murray broke twice in each of the final two sets to secure his 33rd Davis Cup singles win, hitting his third ace of the match to seal the victory.

“Incredible to get through that one. It easily could have gone the other way,” said Murray, who had prepared to face Dominic Sticker before learning an hour before the match that he would contest his first Lexus ATP Head2Head matchup against Riedi. “It was ridiculous, the shots he was pulling off. Amazing returning. I kept fighting, managed to stay focused and managed to turn it around.”

Stan Wawrinka levelled the tie with a 7-5, 6-4 win against Cameron Norrie, before Evans and Skupski clinched victory for the hosts with a 6-3, 6-3 win against Dominic Stricker and Wawrinka.

Great Britain defeated Australia 2-1 to open their Davis Cup Finals campaign on Wednesday and now improves to 2-0, topping Group B.

Italy edges Chile in Bologna

A pair of comeback, three-set singles wins saw Italy triumph against Chile. Matteo Arnaldi opened the tie with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win against Cristian Garin, before Lorenzo Sonego secured the host nation’s win with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory against Nicolas Jarry.

The result leaves both Italy and Chile at 1-1 in Group A. Italy opened with an 0-3 defeat to Canada, while Chile swept Sweden 3-0 in its first tie.

World-class tennis is back in Queensland for 2024 with the return of the Brisbane International.

The combined ATP 250 and WTA 500 tournament will feature at the Queensland Tennis Centre from 31 December to 7 January.

A record AU$3.1 million in prize money is on offer and 180 of the world’s best players are expected to travel to the Sunshine State to compete.

The men’s singles draw features 32 players, with a 24-pair draw in both men’s and women’s doubles.

The women’s singles draw expands from the 32 of previous editions to 48, providing even more competitive opportunities for the top women in the sport.

Fans will be treated to 14 sessions (day and night) of top-quality tennis at the stunning Queensland Tennis Centre during the first week of January.

Early bird tickets will be available to purchase via Ticketmaster from 12 p.m. AEST on Wednesday 20 September. Adult ticket prices start from AU$25 and a family pass (two adults and two children) starts from AU$58. Kids go free on ground passes for the first two days of the tournament.

“We are delighted to welcome the Brisbane International back, bigger and better than ever in 2024,” Brisbane International Tournament Director Cam Pearson said.

“We know how much the players love playing the Brisbane International and starting the season in Queensland.

“Fans can look forward to eight days of high-quality international tennis, an expanded women’s draw, and 180 of the world’s best players competing for a big prize pool. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said “It’s terrific to see the much-anticipated return of the Brisbane International tournament to reignite Australia’s summer of tennis.

“Tennis fans love this blockbuster event, as much as the players love playing at Pat Rafter Arena.

“The event will also serve up a win for good Queensland jobs, with thousands of fans travelling to Brisbane from interstate and contributing AU$10 million to the visitor economy.

“This summer of tennis promises to be a winner for tennis fans and for Queensland.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the return of the Brisbane International is a ‘Grand Slam’ get for the city.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the Brisbane International 2024 to the Queensland Tennis Centre this summer,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane is set to come alive on and off the court as fans flock to watch this blockbuster sporting event featuring the world’s best players.

“With the tournament kicking off Australia’s summer of tennis, the eight days of action will inject millions into Brisbane’s local economy with hospitality, tourism and accommodation providers feeling the love from tennis fans across the nation.”

The Brisbane International was first held in 2009 at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Further announcements about the tournament and players will be made in due course.