Novak Djokovic opts out of Bangalore Davis Cup tie due to fatigue

Obradovic also pointed out that Bangalore’s high humidity and altitude were also contributing factors to Djokovic’s decision. “Novak had a very hard part of the season and he needs a break, a trip to India requires a huge effort, not only in terms of travel, coming from one end of the planet to the other, from New York to Bangalore, but also to the harsh conditions of the game here, high humidity and high altitude” Obradovic added.

The reigning Wimbledon champion suffered a shock defeat to Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the semifinal of the US Open on Saturday. He had said after the defeat that he was unsure of participating in the tie. “I would have to speak with my captain and see, see if I’m going to go in India or not. I still don’t know,” he had said.

Djokovic is likely to be replaced by world No. 179 Ilija Bozoljac, who is already in Bangalore along with his teammates Dusan Lajovic and Philip Krajinovic. Serbia’s doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic is expected to reach Bangalore on Monday.

Obradovic was categorical that his team was formidable even if Djokovic does not turn up. He identified Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri as their key rivals. “It is going to be a tough match for both teams. We are a team with high confidence having been in the World Group for the last eight years, with or without Novak. We have a young and improving team. We have the experience of Nenad Zimonjic, a very experienced doubles player. We also have Illija Bozoljac. They have beaten the best team in the history of doubles,the Bryan brothers,” Obradovic said.

Meanwhile, the Indian team began its preparations for the crucial tie on Sunday, with Rohan Bopanna spending a couple of hours on court along with coach Zeeshan Ali and captain Anand Amritraj. Devvarman and Bhambri are likely to reach Bangalore on Monday while Leander Paes is expected to join the team on Tuesday. The winner of this tie will qualify for the elite 16-nation World Group.

Leander to play

Meanwhile, according to reports, Paes is set to combine with Rohan Bopanna for the doubles rubber against Serbia, Indian captain Anand Amritraj confirmed on Sunday. The inclusion of the 41-year-old in the side means that Saketh Myneni, who made his Davis Cup debut against Chinese Taipei early this year, will miss out. Myneni will now be a reserve along with Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Ramkumar Ramanathan.

“Yes, Leander will play with Rohan in the doubles,” Amritraj, the non-playing captain, said. “It was Rohan who approached Leander first and then I got in touch with him. I spoke to him and he agreed to play,” Amritraj said.

Somdev finishes second

Somdev Devvarman ended runner-up in both singles and doubles events of the USD 50,000 ATP Shanghai Challenger tournament on Sunday.

Playing his second Challenger-level singles final of the season against Yoshihito Nishioka, ranked 102 places below him at 245, Somdev lost the summit clash 4-6 7-6(5) 6-7 (3) after battling for three hours and four minutes.

Later, he took the field for the doubles final with compatriot Sanam Singh, and lost the furiously fought title clash 6-7(2) 7-6(4) 8-10 against Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan.