3 minute read

Seven-times Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has sent fans into a frenzy after leading Serbia into the ATP Cup semi-finals in Sydney.

Novak Djokovic admits being blown away by the fanatical backing after battling past Denis Shapovalov in an emotion-charged encounter to book Serbia's place in the ATP Cup semi-finals.

Playing his first match in Sydney in a decade, Djokovic sparked soccer-style scenes from the over-excited crowd before eking out a tense 4-6 6-1 7-6 (7-4) comeback win on Friday.

The world No.2's stirring win followed Dusan Lajovic's 6-4 6-2 rout of Felix Auger-Aliassime and propelled Serbia into a semi-final on Saturday against Russia.

But it was anything but routine for Djokovic amid wild scenes inside Ken Rosewall Arena.

Tensions boiled over midway through the second set when Shapovalov received a code violation for allegedly telling a Serbian heckler "f*** you".

Chair umpire Carlos Bernardes called Canadian captain Adriano Fuorivia over to order him to calm Shapovalov down as he struggled to control the boisterous, mostly pro-Serbian crowd.

After dropping six straight games to concede the second set, Shapovalov did well to regain his composure and pile the pressure on Djokovic in the decider.

Feeling the heat, Djokovic remonstrated with Bernardes after receiving a warning himself for an audible obscenity in the sixth game of the set.

Despite the umpire demanding unruly fans behave or go home, Djokovic further fuelled emotions when he further ignited the crowd after he held for 3-3.

He then sent Serbian supporters into a frenzy when he broke Shapovalov three games later, only to drop serve while serving for the match after a spectator fell ill and briefly delayed proceedings.

Djokovic offered the female fan a bottle of water, but it was the Canadian who needed cooling down after becoming enraged once again by spectators interrupting his serve during the third-set tiebreaker.

Vanquished but gracious, Shapovalov warmly embraced Djokovic at the net after finally succumbing after two hours and 40 gripping minutes.

"Brisbane had some amazing support (during the group stages) but this was a different level," Djokovic said.

"This has definitely exceeded our hopes and expectations, and we are super grateful to have this many Serbian people show up.

"We knew that Serbian community is big in Sydney, but we didn't know that this many people would come. So loud ... it was a Davis Cup-like atmosphere, really."

Djokovic said Shapovalov was "rightfully annoyed" by the crowd's at times unsporting antics.

But, having been on the end of pro-Roger Federer crowds for years, the seven-times Australian Open champion was happy to be the crowd favourite for a change and said the support helped him over the line.

"I mean, when you have most of the stadium backing you up after every point, of course it makes a significant difference in terms of how you feel on the court," Djokovic said.

"If the majority of the stadium is backing you up, it's easier. You find that strength. You find that motivation.

"When you're down, they lift you up. You feel more alert, more responsible because so many people are backing you up and supporting you that you have to deliver your best game.

"Of course in this kind of energy, you want to play in this kind of atmosphere all the time. But it's not always possible.

"That's why I try to cherish these kind of moments and take them with me anywhere I go."