Novak Djokovic said he accepts responsibility for Serbia's Davis Cup semifinal defeat by Italy on Saturday after failing to convert three match points against Jannik Sinner.
The world No 1 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.
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.
Sonego and Sinner get the job done 🙌
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 25, 2023
Winning in straight sets 6-3 6-4 to clinch a place in the final 🇮🇹#DavisCupFinals | @federtennis | @janniksin pic.twitter.com/BLOM9qxuZc
"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.
"Yeah, it's unfortunate really. This is sport. When you lose for your country, you know, the bitter feeling is even greater."
Djokovic 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.
After saving THREE match points @janniksin levels the tie for Italy 🤯
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 25, 2023
He beats @DjokerNole 6-2 2-6 7-5 🇮🇹#DavisCupFinals | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/Elaf8OQGxX
The 36-year-old Serb, a record 24-time men's Grand Slam winner, said he thought world No 4 Sinner's level might dip, but the Italian was relentless.
"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.
"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."
Djokovic congratulated Sinner, who has now beaten him three times in four matches across 11 days.
Sinner won in the ATP Finals group stage last week but Djokovic responded by beating the Italian to win the trophy.
"They deserved it, they played really well, particularly Jannik, in singles against me and then doubles, as well," added Djokovic.
"He barely missed the ball the entire match ... you can only say congrats."
Sensazionale.
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 25, 2023
Jannik Sinner is the first player to beat Novak Djokovic twice in the same season since Medvedev in 2019. (singles) #DavisCupFinals | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/kH9ztBbEBl