United Cup 2024: Novak Djokovic smashed out Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka to power Serbia into quarterfinals.

Tennis United Cup 2024

Posted 6 months ago

United Cup 2024: Novak Djokovic smashed out Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka to power Serbia into quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic has overcome a right wrist issue to defeat the Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka and help Serbia advance into the United Cup 2024 mixed team quarterfinals.

The world No. 1 was troubled by his right wrist during practice and he received intense treatment from his physio.

Djokovic was cleared to play his singles match against Jiri Lehecka later in the day, and it was just as well given that Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova defeated Olga Danilovic 6-1 3-6 6-3 to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead.

Djokovic looked on track for an easy victory against Lehecka while leading by a set and 3-1.

But with his wrist troubles growing, Djokovic started making unforced errors. He took a medical timeout after losing the second-set tiebreak and came out strongly with a double break in the third set to win by 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-1.

There was confusion after the match as to whether Serbia had done enough to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Officials initially said that even if Serbia lost the mixed doubles and the tie, it would still make the quarterfinals as the best second-place team in Perth.

But organizers later clarified that Serbia would be out if it lost the mixed doubles in straight sets.

Serbia topped Group E and will take on Group C winner Australia on Wednesday in a quarterfinal in Perth. Poland will face China in the other Perth quarterfinal.