First-time finalist Serbia completed an impossible dream when Novak Djokovic and Viktor Troicki came through must-win Sunday matches to seal a 3-2 comeback victory over France in the Davis Cup final.
The Serbs, unbeaten this season after never having won a tie until the first round of 2010, prevented France from a 10th Davis Cup trophy and claimed their first in spectacular style.
The drama was played out in a packed-out Belgrade arena filled with a 95 per cent audience of Serbs braying for a victory.
With the home side trailing 1-2 after a doubles loss on Saturday, Djokovic played the national sporting hero as he carved up Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
Troicki then cast aside any nerves to finish the job with poise, defeating Michael Llodra 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 in two and a quarter hours to spark the celebrations in the hall and around the small Balkan nation.
“It was unbelievable today,” said world number three Djokovic, who now has just over three weeks of off season before beginning the 2011 campaign in January 1.
“Maybe one of the best matches I have played this year. It was definitely a lot of pressure, expectations. But this is the finals of Davis Cup. You cannot get more energy than this. So I’m very, very happy with the way I played.” Defeat left the 30-year-old Llodra in tears on the sidelines being consoled by coach Guy Forget. Watching the meltdown were former French women’s star Amelie Mauresmo and injured national men’s number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Asked whether he regrets fielding Llodra instead of somebody else, Forget said that he does not want to torment himself with it at the moment, but admitted that he “didn’t expect Viktor to be so good.” Immediately after the initial celebration on court, the Serb players lined up four chairs and began shaving their heads, in line with a promise they made.
But they began by shaving the head of the Serbian tennis organization president, Slobodan Zivojinovic, a former player himself.
Djokovic, winner of his previous five matches against the 12th-ranked Monfils, wrapped up the first two sets in just an hour and a quarter as he broke the frustrated Frenchman four times in the early going.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with the 17,000-capacity venue is packed to the absolute limit, fans people sitting on the stairs between the rows and the noise level the highest of the dramatic weekend.
Djokovic said his decision to rest instead of playing the Saturday doubles -- which France won -- was a wise strategic choice.
“I didn’t feel that playing was the best option. It was a good decision from my side so I can save my energy for singles today. I felt great.” Serbia becomes the second nation in history to win the title in its debut in the final. Croatia achieved the feat five years ago in Bratislava against Slovakia.
Before going out to celebrate, presumably through the night, Djokovic reflected on how thin the line is between desperation and triumph in sport.
“We talked 10 minutes ago about the difference between end of the second day, feeling in the locker room after the doubles yesterday, and end of the third day today when we won the title,” he said.
The team was deeply disappointed and felt the pressure after going down 2-1 following the loss in doubles, particularly as the Serbs had thrown away a two-set lead.
“To be able to perform as well as we did today under the circumstances is just I think too good, history, one of the best sport results this country ever had,” Djokovic said.
“This is by far individually and team the best achievements in our careers.”
