Djokovic lights up Perth with victory at midnight

Novak Djokovic led Serbia to a 2-1 defeat of China in an opening match at the United Cup and then led the crowd in a countdown to midnight Sunday only minutes notching his first match win of 2024.

The world No. 1 combined with 22-year-old compatriot Olga Danilovic to earn a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 mixed doubles victory, claiming victory over China at the team event in Perth.

After the on-court mixed doubles interview, the 24-time Grand Slam champion then asked an enthusiastic and mainly pro-Serb crowd to stick around for the stroke of midnight celebrations.

As the house DJ filled for five minutes, the Serb squad gathered midcourt to dance, hop around in joy and hug each other at a rare team event in the individual sport.

Djokovic then led a countdown to the witching hour.

“Thanks to the fans for staying this late, we’re glad you decided to spend this special night with us.”

Danilovic was close to shock after teaming successfully with her longtime idol.

 “This was number one on my bucket list – to play with Novak and to win; I’m so happy.

“This was an incredible match, I gave my all and I’m glad to finish 2023 like this; it could not be better.

“I’ve looked up to Novak from the first moment I touched a racquet.”

Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz had to fight through a deciding doubles match to conclude a 2-1 defeat of Britain for the United States to stay in title contention.

The defending champions, who won the trophy last January over Italy, earned a 1-6, 7-6 (7/5), 10-7 mixed doubles win to claim victory after the sides split the singles.

“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” said Fritz, who was broken twice in the opening set.

World number five Pegula added: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.

“It was a big win today, especially after losing such a tough singles match.”

Britain, who beat Australia to open their tournament account, took a 1-0 lead when Pegula crashed 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to Katie Boulter in the singles.

It was Boulter’s first win over a top-five player on her seventh attempt, after she bounced back from a set and double-break down.

“This was a very hard match for both of us,” said the 56th-ranked Boulter. “I play my best tennis when I’m smiling and having fun.

“I kept trying to get over the line. I thrive in a team atmosphere … so many tennis heads giving information. It helps you to think clearly.”

Pegula’s 10th-ranked teammate Fritz kept the tie alive despite a thigh strain he blamed on over-training, defeating Cameron Norrie 7-6 (5), 6-4.

“I strained something but got through it,” said Fritz. “Cam and I have played so many times (14). It’s always a battle, always close.”

In Sydney, Leylah Fernandez led Canada to a fighting victory over Chile, with the former US Open finalist winning her singles rubber then backing up in a decisive mixed doubles.

Ranked 35, she got her country off to a perfect start, cruising past Chile’s Daniela Seguel 6-2, 6-3 in 73 minutes. 

With Canadian number one Felix Auger-Aliassime sitting out the men’s singles, 314th-ranked Steven Diez stepped up but was toppled by world number 19 Nicolas Jarry 7-5, 6-4. 

It set up a deciding mixed doubles, with Fernandez teaming with Diez to battle past Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera 7-5, 4-6, 10-8.

“I’m extremely happy with the way I played,” said Fernandez, who was part of the Canadian team that won the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time this year. 

The 21-year-old broke five times in her singles clash against a player in her first WTA Tour-level singles match in nearly two years, using the serve and volley tactic well. 

“First match of the season so had some nerves, but happy with the way I was able to handle it,” she said.