Davis Cup: Djokovic Delivers for Serbia in Belgrade

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic gave Serbia an expected 1-0 lead against Kazakhstan in their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas first round tie, after making light work of a 61 62 63 win against Aleksandr Nedovyesov in the opening singles rubber on Friday.
Having shaken off an eye infection only a day or two before the tie, Djokovic breezed through the match to delight a noisy home crowd in Belgrade’s Aleksandar Nikolic Arena.
Playing for the first time against the world’s top-ranked player, Nedovyesov, who was brushed aside in the opening set, put up a brave fight early in the second, when he won the longest game of the match to take a brief 2-1 lead.
That spurred Djokovic into action and he won the next five games, while producing a barrage of sizzling shots, including a total of 12 forehand winners through the opening two sets.
The Serbian also conjured some spectacular net points, galvanising the home fans who were matched every bit for passion by a colourful and vociferous band of visiting Kazakhstan supporters.
Sporting a giant drum and several trumpets, the away fans played a crucial part in creating a superb atmosphere in the jam-packed venue, renamed recently after one of Serbia’s iconic basketball coaches.
Having had his left shoulder massaged by Serbia’s team doctor during breaks between games in the third set, Djokovic kept his foot on the gas pedal just enough to close out the match and put the competition’s 2010 winners in the driving seat.
Viktor Troicki takes on Kazakhstan’s top-ranked player Mikhail Kukushkin in Friday’s second singles rubber.

Source: Davis Cup Website