Return Winners: The 2013 Davis Cup final

In 2013, Novak Djokovic lost his grip on the top spot in the rankings, but still had a stellar campaign to finish at No. 2. While winning seven titles on the year, the Serb also recommitted himself to the Davis Cup, helping the 2010 titlists once again advance to the final.

There, they would face the Czech Republic, the defending champions, who, after a tough encounter in the first round against Canada, had a relatively easier time against Kazakhstan and Argentina in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

The first rubber saw Djokovic take on Radek Stepanek. Buoyed by the home crowd and his own form, the Serb—winner of his last 22 matches, including four titles—ran through the match in straight sets. Tomas Berdych, the top player on the Czech’s team, then put on a dominant display of his own against Dusan Lajovic to level the tie.

On its way to the title in 2012, the Czechs defeated Serbia in the quarterfinals, with Berdych and Stepanek’s doubles win against Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic turning the tables in the encounter. A year and a half later, it was déjà vu as the two teams matched up again with a similar result, giving the Czechs a 2-1 lead.

In the first reverse-singles rubber, Djokovic took on Berdych. Having won 14 of their 16 prior matches—including three of four in 2013—Djokovic claimed his 15th against the Czech to level the tie.

It all came down to a live fifth rubber, with the battle-tested Stepanek facing Lajovic. Stepanek, who won the fifth rubber in the 2012 final against Spain, replicated the feat here to give the Czech Republic the title once again.

Stepanek became the first player in Davis Cup history to clinch titles in consecutive years in a live fifth rubber.

The Czech Republic became the second team to win consecutive titles since 2000, after Spain, which went back-to-back in 2008 and ’09.

Over the course of the year, Djokovic went 7-0 in Davis Cup play.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias

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Return Winners: The 2013 Davis Cup final

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Return Winners: The 2013 Davis Cup final