tennis
Djokovic celebrates team victory with New Year’s Eve party on the court
Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic celebrated the new year together with a victory. photo
© Trevor Collens/AP/dpa
Novak Djokovic ends his year with a victory a few minutes before midnight. The tennis star then encourages fans to have a small New Year’s Eve party.
The world number one first won his singles against Zhang Zhizhen 6:3, 6:2. After Olga Danilova beat Zheng Qinwen 4:6, 2:6, the 36-year-old prevailed alongside his teammate in the decisive mixed doubles. The Serbian duo finished the game against Zhang and Zheng 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 a few minutes before midnight in Australia.
With a countdown into the new year
Afterwards, Djokovic & Co. counted down to the New Year, danced on the court and hugged each other. “We are very grateful that you are spending this special night with us,” said the 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner to the fans and called on them to stay in the stands until midnight. “That was number one on my bucket list: to play with Novak and win,” enthused Danilova. In the second group game, Serbia will face the Czech Republic, which lost 3-0 to China at the start.
The German tennis team around Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev won the first game of the United Cup 2-1 against Italy and will face France on Monday. The United Cup also serves as preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne. The first Grand Slam tournament of the year begins in two weeks.