Viktor Troicki, Serbian tennis player

Viktor Troicki (Serbian Cyrillic: Виктор Троицки; pronounced [ʋîktor troǐtskiː]), born on 10 February 1986, is a distinguished Serbian former professional tennis player whose career journey was characterized by significant individual triumphs, pivotal contributions to his national team, and a unique place in the annals of tennis history. Known for his powerful baseline game and unwavering competitive spirit, Troicki forged a successful career on the ATP Tour, achieving a career-high singles ranking and securing multiple titles across various prestigious team competitions.

A Career of Notable Achievements: ATP Singles Titles

Throughout his professional career, Viktor Troicki demonstrated his prowess on hard courts, capturing three coveted ATP singles titles. His breakthrough moment arrived with his inaugural ATP victory at the 2010 Kremlin Cup in Moscow, a significant milestone that signaled his emergence as a formidable presence on the men's tour. Building on this success, he achieved consecutive triumphs at the Apia International Sydney, lifting the trophy in both 2015 and 2016. These back-to-back wins in Sydney underscored his adaptability and consistent performance at a high level, affirming his capability to excel in top-tier ATP events.

Reaching New Heights: World No. 12 and Davis Cup Glory

A testament to his sustained excellence and strong performances against the sport's elite, Troicki attained his career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in June 2011. This accomplishment placed him firmly among the top echelon of male tennis players globally during a highly competitive era.

However, perhaps his most iconic and nationally celebrated achievement was his heroic performance in the 2010 Davis Cup final. In a captivating showdown against France, held on home soil in Belgrade, Viktor Troicki delivered under immense pressure, winning the decisive fifth rubber to clinch Serbia's first-ever Davis Cup title. His commanding straight-sets victory (6-2, 6-2, 6-3) over Michael Llodra ignited jubilant celebrations across Serbia and remains one of the most memorable moments in the nation's sporting history. Following this landmark success, Troicki consistently played a vital role in Serbia's subsequent Davis Cup campaigns, contributing significantly to the team reaching at least the quarterfinal stage in every edition he participated in, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch team player.

An Unprecedented Record: The Triple Crown of Team Tennis

Viktor Troicki holds a unique and unparalleled distinction in the Open Era of tennis, being the only male player to have won all three major team competitions. This extraordinary "triple crown" underscores his exceptional team spirit, leadership, and invaluable contribution to Serbian tennis over a considerable period:

This remarkable achievement highlights his versatility and the profound impact he had on his national team's success across different formats and eras of team tennis.

A Challenging Chapter: The Anti-Doping Ban

In 2013–14, Troicki faced a significant setback in his career when he was served a 12-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation. This sanction arose from his failure to provide a blood sample during a drug test at the Monte Carlo Masters in April 2013. Initially, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) imposed an 18-month ban for refusing the test. However, after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ban was subsequently reduced to 12 months. Troicki maintained that he had been advised by a doping control officer that it was permissible to delay the test due due to feeling unwell. This controversial incident led to a year-long absence from the professional tour, significantly impacting his ranking and momentum at the time.

Transition to Leadership: Captain of the Serbian National Team

Following a distinguished playing career, Viktor Troicki smoothly transitioned into a pivotal leadership role within Serbian tennis. In December 2020, he was officially appointed as the captain of the Serbian national team for both the prestigious Davis Cup and the relatively newer ATP Cup. In this capacity, Troicki brings a wealth of direct experience, strategic acumen, and a deep understanding of team dynamics, having been a central figure in Serbia's most significant team successes. His appointment reflects the profound trust and respect he commands within the tennis community and among his former teammates, including global superstars like Novak Djokovic, as he now guides and inspires the next generation of Serbian talent on the international stage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Viktor Troicki
  • When was Viktor Troicki born?

    Viktor Troicki was born on 10 February 1986.

  • What is Viktor Troicki's career-high singles ranking?

    He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in June 2011.

  • What major team competitions has Viktor Troicki won?

    Viktor Troicki is the first player in the Open Era to win all three major team competitions: the Davis Cup (2010), the World Team Cup (2009, 2012), and the ATP Cup (2020).

  • Why was Viktor Troicki banned from tennis?

    He received a 12-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation in 2013–14, specifically for missing a blood test at the Monte Carlo Masters.

  • What is Viktor Troicki's current role in tennis?

    Since December 2020, Viktor Troicki has served as the captain of the Serbian national team for both the Davis Cup and the ATP Cup.