Novak Djokovic played singles and doubles but was unable to keep Serbia afloat in the Davis Cup, succumbing 2-1 to Russia.
Djokovic defeated Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 in the second singles matchup to level the series 1-1. Half an hour later, the Serbian star returned to the track at the Caja Mágica to pair with Viktor Troicki at the decisive doubles point. They ended up losing 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8) to Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, after missing three match points.
Rublev had overtaken Russia by beating Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 in the first singles match.
Russia reached the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2008. The Russians will face Canada, which eliminated Australia on Thursday. The Russians are seeking their third Davis title, and first since 2006.
2010 tournament champions Serbia were looking to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2017, when they lost to eventual champion France. AP