Viktor Troicki and Novak Djokovic cleared their openers against John Isner and Sam Querrey respectively today in Belgrade. Troicki put in an admirable performance in his upset against Isner.

The Americans faced an uphill battle from the beginning since the Davis Cup tie is played on clay, and I guess American men do not play on clay anymore. They could have been in a sweet spot if Isner had beaten Troicki. The Bryan brothers are handle themselves on clay, so a 2-1 lead could have been possible.

Now, the only way for an American victory is a total Serbian implosion. Nenad Zimonjic has been a nemesis for the Bryan brothers, but he is without his partner, Daniel Nestor. Even if the Serbs lose in doubles tomorrow, Djokovic should be able to put away Isner on Sunday.

Serbia vs. USA
Friday’s Results
R1 – Viktor Troicki (SRB) def. John Isner (USA) 7-6(4) 6-7(5) 7-5 6-4
R2 – Novak Djokovic (SRB) def. Sam Querrey (USA) 6-2 7-6(4) 2-6 6-3

Saturday’s Match
R3 – N. Zimonjic (SRB)/J. Tipsarevic (SRB) vs. M. Bryan (USA)/B. Bryan (USA)

(Images: AP)

Serbia beat Germany 2-1 to take the ARAG ATP World Team title. Viktor Troicki and Janko Tipsarervic were able to seal the deal in singles action for Serbia's first trophy in Dusseldorf.


Championship Results
Serbia Beat Germany 2-1
Viktor Troicki (SRB) def. Rainer Schuettler (GER) 6-4 7-6(5)
Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) def. Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-2 6-4
N. Kiefer (GER)/M. Zverev (GER) def. N. Zimonjic (SRB)/V. Troicki (SRB) 7-5 4-6 10-7

(Image: AP)

Spain finally got a chance to play Serbia this weekend. After a one day delay, the two teams squared off. There was worry that the contest would last until Monday and put a kink in the players’ travel plans for the upcoming Indian Wells tournament. All went perfectly and the singles and doubles matches were completed.

In order for Serbia to have a chance against the defending champions, Novak Djokovic was going to have to beat David Ferrer. That did not happen. David Ferrer beat Djokovic in straight sets 6-3 6-3 76(4).

If Ferrer's win was done in convincing fashion, then Rafael Nadal’s victory over Janko Tipsarovic was a complete blow out. He won in straight sets 6-1 6-0 6-2 in 96 minutes of work. Nadal was all business and merciless against the Serb. The Spaniard only dropped three games for the entire match.

Since the two singles matched went relatively quickly, they were able to start and complete the doubles match. Djokovic was scheduled to play, but Serbian team captain, Bogdan Obradovic wanted him to rest since he did not play well against Ferrer and will need to rest to play Nadal tomorrow. Viktor Troicki substituted for Djokovic and played with top-ranked, doubles specialist, Nenad Zimonjic.

Troicki and Zimonjic faced Tommy Robredo and Feliciano Lopez. The Serbs needed to win to stay in the tie. Once the match started, Zimonjic showed why he is a top-ranked doubles player. He was devastating against the Spaniards at the net. The Serbs bested the Spaniards in straight sets 7-6(5) 6-4 7-6(7) to stay in the hunt.

Tomorrow, Nadal will play Djokovic, and Ferrer will go against Tipsarevic. Serbia needs to win both matches, and they are going to need a miracle with the way Ferrer and Nadal are playing.
(images: Sergio Carmona)