The sports wrap: Djokovic helps Serbia take 2-0 lead over Russia in Davis Cup, and other top stories

The big story: Djokovic survived an injury scare to battle back from a set down

Novak Djokovic survived an injury scare and battled back from a set and a break down to help Serbia take a 2-0 lead over Russia in the Davis Cup World Group tie on Friday, PTI reported.

Twelve-time major winner Djokovic dropped the first set and was 0-3 down in the second against 20-year-old Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic, looking to rebuild his confidence after a shock second round exit at the Australian Open, needed first-set treatment on his right shoulder before recovering for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 lead.

Fortunately for Djokovic Medvedev dropped the opening game of the fourth set and then retired with cramps.

Earlier, world number 37 Viktor Troicki had given 2010 champions Serbia a winning start, defeating 52nd-ranked Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(6) in a 4hr 30min marathon clash.

Tennis

Croatia took a 1-0 lead over Spain when world number 223 Franko Skugor stunned 26th-ranked Pablo Carreno Busta 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(6).
Reigning Davis Cup champions Argentina endured a traumatic start to their title defence when they slumped 2-0 down to Italy.
India’s Ramkumar Ramanathan, Yuki Bhambri registered wins as India took a 2-0 lead over New Zealand in their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 first-round clash in Pune on Friday.
Praveen Mahajan was unanimously elected president of All India Tennis Association (AITA) till 2020 during its Special General Meeting.

Cricket

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke will coach the Prime Minister’s XI against Sri Lanka later this month for a Twenty20 match in Canberra.
India skipper Virat Kohli will feature on the cover of the 2017 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, reported the Wisden website.
Cricket South Africa on Saturday announced the launch of a new eight-team franchise-based T20 League.
In a must-win game, Sri Lanka need to beat South Africa in the third one-day game in Johannesburg to stay alive in the five-match series. They have lost the first two games and will look to make amends on Saturday.
The auction for the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League will take place on February 20 in Bengaluru, confirmed the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The India Under-19 team took a 2-1 series lead in the five-match youth One-Day International series against England with a comfortable seven-wicket win at the Brabourne Stadium.
England’s Kevin Pietersen has been fined 5000 Australian Dollars for criticising an umpiring decision on air while during the BBL semi-final against Perth Scorchers on January 24. Pietersen’s team the Melbourne Stars lost the semi-final to Perth.

Golf

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Dubai Desert Classic because of a back problem. The 14-time major winner returned to the course after 15 months out following two back operations.
India’s Shubhankar Sharma finished tied-fourth with compatriot Chiragh Kumar at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open on Saturday.
India’s Aditi Ashok carded three-over 76 to finish on tied-sixth place at the RACV Gold Coast Challenge on Saturday.

Football

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has said that he will remain at Newcastle United and aim for an immediate Premier League return. It was reported that the Spaniard’s future was uncertain at Newcastle, who are second in the Championship.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has slammed rumours claiming he has agreed a big-money summer move to the Chinese Super League. Reports linking Costa to China have been doing the rounds since he had a bust-up with a Chelsea coach last month.