Djokovic praises Medvedev after epic ATP Cup semifinal victory

Novak Djokovic praised Daniil Medvedev after defeating the Russian in a three set epic Saturday in Sydney that clinched Serbia a spot in the ATP Cup final.

It took some on-the-spot shot-making genius to get captains and players from both teams applauding, and to separate Novak Djokovic from Daniil Medvedev in the deciding third set of a victory that earned Serbia a spot in the ATP Cup final.

Second-ranked Djokovic dominated the first set Saturday, devising a plan to break down the big Russian’s strengths, before Medvedev rallied to level the match.

Djokovic got the pivotal break in a long fifth game after a protracted rally ended in an exchange of volleys and drop shots. He raised both arms to celebrate, almost an early victory.