Djokovic out of Serbia's Davis Cup clash with India
Spirits remained high in the Serbian team despite Novak Djokovic’s decision to skip his side’s Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against India. The world No. 1 cited fatigue and his desire to spend time with his pregnant wife as the reasons for pulling out of the tie, which begins at the KSLTA Stadium here on Friday.
“Even though Djokovic is not here, we remain confident of doing well. He had pulled out when we played India in Novi Sad in 2011 as well (Serbia won 4-1). We did not have a full team there either,” said Ilija Bozoljac, who is expected to feature in the doubles rubber for the visitor.
Djokovic lost in the U.S. Open semifinal to Japan’s Kei Nishikori on Saturday, and Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic stated that he had a chat with his star player on Sunday night.
“Djokovic is very tired. He wants to get some rest, and stay fresh for the last part of the season. Rafael Nadal (Spain’s world No. 2) is making a strong challenge, and Djokovic is focussed on holding on to the world No. 1 spot till the end of the season.
Personal reasons too
“There are personal reasons too — he got married two months ago; his wife is pregnant. This is normal life. There is more to life than tennis,” Obradovic said.
The captain added that while Djokovic’s presence would have made the squad considerably stronger, it still boasts of a talented group of young players who are eager to step up to the challenge.
Somdev Devvarman, India’s leading singles player, reacted to the news with mixed feelings. “It would have been sweet to see the world No.1 play in India — for the fans as well as for Indian tennis. But our chances of winning have improved without him around,” Devvarman said.
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