2010 Davis Cup: How Djokovic Changed Serbia's Destiny in One Weekend
On December 5, 2010, Serbia won its first Davis Cup in history, defeating France 3-2 in Belgrade. But what the numbers don't show is the emotional intensity of that weekend, embodied by a transcendent Novak Djokovic, driven by something far greater than just sport.
Djokovic, then world number 3, knew that this final was about much more than a trophy. Serbia, still a young nation, was emerging from the trauma and isolation of the 1990s. For him, it wasn't just a match to win—it was a message to send.
"That moment changed my life. I cried like a child. We weren't players; we were soldiers of our people's love."
"I wasn't playing for myself, but for 10 million people."
The scene is etched in every Serbian memory: Troicki's final point, Djokovic leaping into his teammates' arms, and the explosion of the Belgrade Arena crowd. The Serbian team, led by Djokovic, Tipsarevic, Troicki, and Zimonjic, overturned the strong French team (Monfils, Simon, Llodra, Clément).
The victory transformed Djokovic. A few weeks later, he won the 2011 Australian Open. Then he went on to have one of the most dominant seasons in history.
"That victory freed me. It gave me a strength I never knew I had. I realized I could achieve anything."
Finally, one of the most iconic moments from the Grand Slam record-holder is remembered when he kept his promise by shaving his head in front of a delirious crowd.
