In the quest for Davis Cup success, Great Britain is set to confront a formidable Serbian team, spearheaded by Novak Djokovic, who emphasizes the significance of winning the trophy for his country.
Great Britain, now without the services of injured Dan Evans and Andy Murray, gears up to take on Serbia in the quarter-finals this Thursday.
Viewers can catch this action-packed tie live from Malaga, Spain, on the BBC iPlayer and the Sport News Center website and app, starting at 15:00 GMT.
Djokovic, aged 36, passionately expressed, “Winning the Davis Cup for Serbia has always been a major ambition of mine.”
The British team, having last triumphed in the Davis Cup in 2015, advanced to this knockout stage after a nail-biting win against France in September.
The knockout rounds, referred to as the ‘Final Eight’, commence on Tuesday, featuring the defending champions Canada against Finland.
Other matches include last year’s finalists Australia versus the Czech Republic on Wednesday, and Italy against the Netherlands on Thursday.
The semi-finals are slated for Friday and Saturday, leading to the grand finale on Sunday, crowning the champions of this historic 123-year-old men’s team event.
The first two quarter-final winners will clash on Friday, and the last two quarter-final winners will face each other on Saturday.
Britain’s Strategy Amidst Injuries
Great Britain initially had the same five-member squad that made it to the knockout stages. However, injuries to key players Evans and former world number one Murray have led to some changes.
Captain Leon Smith of the GB team is now left with more straightforward team choices, barring further injuries.
In the best-of-three format, which includes two singles and a deciding doubles match, Britain’s rising talent Jack Draper is likely to face Laslo Djere, followed by Cameron Norrie, Britain’s top player, going head-to-head with Djokovic.
If the initial matches are split, Britain will rely on doubles specialists Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury to secure a semi-final spot.
Skupski, this year’s Wimbledon men’s doubles champion, had a successful partnership with Evans, including a pivotal win against France. With Evans out due to a calf injury, Salisbury, fresh from defending his ATP Finals doubles title in Turin, steps in as a substitute.
Djokovic’s Undiminished Dominance
Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Djokovic’s form remains formidable. This year, he bagged three Grand Slam singles titles, only faltering in the Wimbledon final.
His recent victory at the ATP Finals in Turin, a record seventh title at the event, further cements his status. Now, he aims to add another Davis Cup trophy to Serbia’s cabinet, their only win being in 2010.
Djokovic, reflecting on the upcoming matches, remarked, “This is a crucial week for us and our country. We are fully committed to giving our best.”
Other Contenders and Coverage
The defending champions Canada, led by world number 29 Felix Auger-Aliassime, kick off against Finland on Tuesday at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena.
Auger-Aliassime shared, “Our team always holds a strong belief in our ability to win. The Davis Cup has a unique energy and often brings surprises.”
Spain, the host nation, and the United States, a 32-time champion, did not advance to the Final Eight.
Follow all the action of the Davis Cup Finals, including live scores, results, and top stories, on the Sport News Center tennis page.
If Great Britain advances, their semi-final match will be broadcast on Saturday at 11:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer and the Sport News Center website and app.
The final is scheduled for Sunday at 15:00, with live coverage on the BBC, regardless of Great Britain’s involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Davis Cup Finals 2023
Who are the key players in the 2023 Davis Cup Finals quarter-final between Great Britain and Serbia?
Great Britain’s team faces a challenge without Dan Evans and Andy Murray, relying on players like Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie. Serbia is led by Novak Djokovic, a dominant figure in tennis, who expresses a strong desire to win the Davis Cup for his country.
What is the significance of the Davis Cup for Novak Djokovic and Serbia?
The Davis Cup holds great importance for Novak Djokovic and Serbia. Djokovic, having an exceptional record in the competition, aims to lead his country to victory, emphasizing the trophy’s significance for Serbian national pride. Serbia has won the Davis Cup once before, in 2010.
How has Great Britain performed in the Davis Cup leading up to the 2023 Finals?
Great Britain, who last won the Davis Cup in 2015, made it to the 2023 Finals after a thrilling victory over France in the knockout stages. They initially named the same squad that achieved this success but have since faced challenges due to injuries.
What is the format of the Davis Cup Finals and when are the key matches?
The Davis Cup Finals feature a ‘Final Eight’ knockout format, starting with quarter-finals. Great Britain faces Serbia on Thursday. The semi-finals are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with the final match set for Sunday. Matches include two singles and a deciding doubles.
Where can viewers watch the Davis Cup Finals 2023, and what coverage is available?
The quarter-final tie between Great Britain and Serbia will be broadcast live on the BBC iPlayer and the Sport News Center website and app from 15:00 GMT. Comprehensive coverage, including live scores, results, and stories, is available on the Sport News Center tennis page.
More about Davis Cup Finals 2023
- Davis Cup Official Website
- BBC Sport Tennis
- Novak Djokovic Profile
- Great Britain Davis Cup History
- Davis Cup Format Explanation
