PERTH : Novak Djokovic closed out his spectacular 2023 on a winning note as the world number one eased past China’s Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-2 on his United Cup debut on Sunday before doubling up to secure a 2-1 victory for Serbia in the mixed team tournament.

The 36-year-old showed no signs of slowing down as he lifted the Australian, French and US Open trophies last season — with his only blip being a five-set defeat in the Wimbledon final — before securing the year-end top spot at the ATP Finals.

Djokovic wasted little time in priming himself for a tilt at a record-extending 11th trophy at the Jan 14-28 Australian Open as he dismantled world number 58 Zhang in 72 minutes at a packed RAC Arena in his first match of the 2024 season.

Zheng Qinwen rolled over Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2 to make it 1-1 but Djokovic returned to partner Danilovic and seal a 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 victory against Zheng and Zhang.

Earlier, Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula combined to help defending champions the United States beat Britain 2-1 in Group ‘C’ as they overcame Neal Skupski and Katie Boulter 1-6, 7-6(4), 10-7.

The Americans can book their place in the quarter-finals of the $10 million team event that features 18 countries with a win over Australia on Monday.

“We have a team energy from last year here, we don’t want to take a loss and let it die,” said Fritz, who was broken twice in the opening set.

World number five Pegula added: “To get a win in this fashion after such a long day (on court) brings back a lot of memories.

“It was a big win today, especially after losing such a tough singles match.”

Boulter continued her strong start to the season after an opening win over Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic as she clawed her way back from a set and 3-0 down to quell world number five Pegula 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 and put Britain up 1-0.

It was Boulter’s first win over a top-five player on her seventh attempt after she bounced back from a set and double-break down.

“This was a very hard match for both of us,” said the 56th-ranked Boulter.

“I play my best tennis when I’m smiling and having fun.

“I kept trying to get over the line. I thrive in a team atmosphere... so many tennis heads giving information. It helps you to think clearly.”

Fritz dragged his team into contention as he managed a left thigh problem to beat Cameron Norrie 7-6(5), 6-4.

In the only match in Sydney, Canada earned a 2-1 win over Group ‘B’ opponents Chile with Steven Diez and Leylah Fernandez beating Tomas Barrios Vera and Daniela Seguel 7-5, 4-6, 10-8.

Fernandez subdued Seguel 6-2, 6-3 in the tie’s opener before Nicolas Jarry won 7-5, 6-4 against Diez, who had stepped in for Canadian number one Felix Auger-Aliassime.

“I’m extremely happy with the way I played,” said Fernandez, who was part of the Canadian team that won the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time this year.

The 21-year-old broke five times in her singles clash against a player in her first WTA Tour-level singles match in nearly two years, using the serve-and-volley tactic well.

“First match of the season so had some nerves, but happy with the way I was able to handle it,” she added.

Published in Dawn, january 1st, 2024