Novak Djokovic led the Serbian team to their opening victory against China at the United Cup and started the new year with a small party on the tennis court.

The world number one first won his singles against Zhang Zhizhen 6:3, 6:2. After Olga Danilova beat Zheng Qinwen 4:6, 2:6, the 36-year-old prevailed alongside his teammate in the decisive mixed doubles. The Serbian duo finished the game against Zhang and Zheng 6-4, 1-6, 10-6 a few minutes before midnight in Australia.

With a countdown into the new year

Then Djokovic counted

The German tennis team around Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev won the first game of the United Cup 2-1 against Italy and will face France on Monday. The United Cup also serves as preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne. The first Grand Slam tournament of the year begins in two weeks.