Emotional Djokovic beats Nadal, steers Serbia to ATP Cup

An emotional Novak Djokovic overpowered long-time rival Rafael Nadal and led Serbia to victory in the inaugural ATP Cup Sunday, capping a perfect build up to his Australian Open title defence.

The world number two blasted the top-ranked Spaniard off court 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) after world number 10 Roberto Bautista Agut caned Serbia's Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 6-1 in the other singles.

A fresh Djokovic returned to Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena for the deciding doubles but Nadal opted not to, saying his energy levels were too low, with Feliciano Lopez partnering Pablo Carreno Busta.

But they proved no match for Djokovic and Viktor Troicki, who bounced back from a break down in the first set to romp home 6-3, 6-4 and ensure Serbia was the last country standing from the 24 that began the season-opening event.

"I'll remember this experience for the rest of my life. It's one of the nicest moments in my career," said Djokovic, who close to tears after winning the doubles.

"I've been very fortunate to have an amazing career these last 15 years, but playing for the team, playing for my country with some of my best friends for a long time, you can't match that. It's too special."
- Not happy -
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