{"id":30975,"date":"2023-12-03T05:29:43","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T05:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/italy-defeat-tough-to-swallow-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-12-03T05:29:43","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T05:29:43","slug":"italy-defeat-tough-to-swallow-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/italy-defeat-tough-to-swallow-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Italy defeat tough to swallow\u2019 | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nM\u00c1LAGA:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Novak Djokovic said he accepts responsibility for Serbia’s Davis Cup semi-final defeat by Italy on Saturday after failing to convert three match points against Jannik Sinner<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The world number one had his Italian counterpart on the ropes in the second singles rubber at 5-4 up, but allowed Sinner to recover and win 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 to force the doubles decider.<\/p>\n

Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic, who had won the opening singles rubber against Lorenzo Musetti, were defeated by Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-4 and leave Malaga disappointed.<\/p>\n

“For me personally it’s a huge disappointment, because I take the responsibility, obviously having three match points, being so close to win it,” Djokovic told reporters.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, it’s unfortunate really. This is sport. When you lose for your country, you know, the bitter feeling is even greater.”<\/p>\n

Djokovic<\/a> said it was “tough to swallow” the defeat, in a competition he was desperate to win with Serbia for the second time after their only triumph in 2010, which he was part of.<\/p>\n

The 36-year-old Serb, a record 24-time men’s Grand Slam winner, said he thought world number four Sinner’s level might dip, but the Italian was relentless.<\/p>\n

“I know Jannik’s quality, but, you know, I was thinking maybe he’s gonna drop a little bit, you know, in the doubles, but he didn’t,” said Djokovic.<\/p>\n

“He kept the level extremely high, and at the end of the singles match, also third set, I had a lot of chances to break him and was in his service games, but every time he needed he found the serve.”<\/p>\n

Djokovic congratulated Sinner, who has now beaten him three times in four matches across 11 days.<\/p>\n

Sinner won in the ATP Finals group stage last week but Djokovic responded by beating the Italian to win the trophy.<\/p>\n

“They deserved it, they played really well, particularly Jannik, in singles against me and then doubles, as well,” added Djokovic.<\/p>\n

“He barely missed the ball the entire match … you can only say congrats.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n