Novak Djokovic won an ATP Cup epic on Friday over Denis Shapovalov to send Serbia into the ATP Cup semifinals.
In an inter-generational battle at Ken Rosewall Arena, 32-year-old Djokovic beat 20-year-old Shapovalov 4-6 6-1 7-6(4) to hand Serbia a winning 2-0 lead over Canada in Sydney.
Earlier on Friday, Dusan Lajovic brushed aside Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 to get the Serbs off to a winning start.
The loss continued Auger-Aliassime’s lean start to 2020; the 19-year-old rising star will be looking to rebound after losing three of his four singles matches at the ATP Cup.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is undefeated in four singles matches to open the season, the perfect preparation ahead of his Australian Open title defence in less than two weeks’ time.
Yet he was pushed to the limit on Friday by the talented Canadian lefty, failing to serve out the match in the 10th game before re-focusing in the final-set tiebreak.
"It was an amazing match. One of the closest matches I've played against Denis. It was a very even match,” said Djokovic, who beat Shapovalov in four sets en route to last year's Australian Open title.
“He played fantastic, very aggressive, served great. We fought both until the last shot.”
Few thought the atmosphere could get any better after Australia’s thrilling victory a day earlier in the doubles match, where Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios combined to save four match points against Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury.
MORE: Australia edges Great Britain in thriller, into ATP Cup semis
Yet it came close to being replicated on Saturday when Ken Rosewall Arena filled with passionate Serbian fans cheering on their beloved 17-time Grand Slam champion.
"Brisbane had some amazing support but this was a different level," Djokovic said, referring to the three group-stage matches Serbia played at Pat Rafter Arena.
Djokovic, who in Melbourne will be playing for a record-extending eighth men’s singles title, will lead Serbia into a semifinal battle against Russia, who on Friday night saw off Argentina.
He faces a singles clash with Russian No.1 and world No.5 Daniil Medvedev, the recent US Open finalist who has emerged as a genuine threat for his first Grand Slam title at Australian Open 2020.
Tonight, Spain, led by world No.1 Rafael Nadal, faces Belgium for a shot at setting up a blockbuster semifinal against Australia.
Nadal has been similarly formidable in the early stages of 2020, with Spain dominating Group B in Perth.
"For me personally, yes, it's been a very positive week," Nadal said.
"Winning three matches against three tough opponents. That's a good way to start the season, without losing a set yet."