Mixed emotions about absent Novak Djokovic

By Gaurav Kalra
At the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) courts in Bangalore the talk was about the one player who wasn’t even there—Novak Djokovic. "It would have been great to see him in the flesh," whispers a volunteer as he watches the Indian team practice.

His friend nods, but has a ready retort. "Sure, but now that he isn’t coming at least it gives us a chance." A journalist joins in. "Had he won the US Open, he would have come," she reckons. "Once he lost, I guess he just didn’t have the enthusiasm for the trip."

Sporting royalty makes occasional appearances in India. So, it was only to be expected that once Djokovic confirmed that he was "on the list" for the Davis Cup tie in India, excitement levels would peak.

An official at KSLTA revealed tickets were sold out within 24 hours of the announcement. The city prepared to roll out the red carpet and the tie itself nearly paled into insignificance. Everyone hoped to get a piece of Djokovic.

"I think it would have been great to have him here. We haven’t had a world number one in India for quite a while," said Indian captain Anand Amritraj. The team’s most experienced player Leander Paes believes it would have been "fantastic for Tennis in India" had Djokovic made the trip. "For youngsters it would have been outstanding to watch how phenomenal a physical specimen and a pure athlete that Novak is," said Paes.

In the absence of the seven-time Grand Slam champion who pulled out citing fatigue and wanting to spend time with his pregnant wife, World Number 61 Dusan Lajovic and 107 Filip Krajinovic will take over. Amritraj says, "We would have probably had to write off two matches had Djokovic been here. Now we have a chance in all five."

India’s number one singles player Somdev Devvarman admits to having "mixed feelings" about his absence. "It would have been sweet had the World Number one been here. It would have been good for tennis and the fans," he says.

Yuki Bhambri doesn’t regret missing out on the chance to play against one of the world’s best players. "We just have to beat Serbia and be in the World Group. Everybody out there is going to be good, so that is what I will focus on," he said.

Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic admits the obvious, "With Novak, we would have been stronger, but still we have rising stars."

Bangalore will applaud those rising stars over this weekend and cheer lustily for India’s players too. But many in the stands are sure to sigh, "Wish he was here."

The author is Senior Editor, ESPNCricinfo.com