Still strong without Djokovic, insist Serbs

BANGALORE: Indian tennis fans will know only on Monday whether world No 1 Novak Djokovic will come to India for the Davis Cup tie even as visiting captain Bogdan Obradovic asserted that his side would present a formidable challenge to the hosts with or without Djokovic.
Obradovic said he would speak to Djokovic regarding his participation. "I plan to do so tonight. I will check with him what the situation is.This is a tough tie for us so I hope to know more than I do today," he said, adding, "I will talk to him (Djokovic) tonight and check with him - what is the situation now," Obradovic said.
Obradovic said he wanted to talk to Djokovic on Sunday but decided against it, keeping in mind his heartbreaking US Open semifinal defeat against Kei Nishikori. "I could not talk to him after the match. It was tough. Of course he wanted to play in the final. That's the way it is," he said.
Obradovic was categorical that his team was formidable even if Djokovic does not turn up for the tie, the winner of which will qualify for the elite 16-nation World Group.
"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, Bryan brothers," Obradovic said.
"This is going to be a tough tie for both teams. The conditions are tough ­ the humidity is high and there is a lot of wind. Even without Novak, we have a good team and we are high on confidence. Lajovic and Krajinovic are improving a lot and Nenad Zimonjic is an experienced guy to have for doubles," he said.