JOIN USWhile the inexperience of Dusan Lazovic and Filip Krajinovic might be a cause for concern for the Serbians in their Davis Cup World Group Play-Off match against India, their doubles specialist, Nenad Zimonjic, who arrived here on Tuesday, adds significant weight to Serbia's chances in the tie, which begins on Friday.
Speaking here at the KSLTA on Tuesday, Zimonjic, who has also represented Yugoslavia and Serbia & Montenegro in this competition in the past, talked about the tie, Leander Paes and what it means to play in the Davis Cup.
On the match-up: I think this tie will be decided in the fifth rubber. So, it will be interesting to see how two young players cope with the pressure of a decider. Both of our singles players are inexperienced and maybe your players are a bit more experienced at playing singles. But it is going to be an open match, that's for sure. This is an important tie for us to stay in the World Group.
On the Davis Cup: It has been an essential part of my career. I have always tried to play in it because it is big to play for the country. I have only missed out twice, during injuries.
On Paes: We are both motivated to do well for the country and I'm sure he is going to give his best. Of course, (Rohan) Bopanna is also a great player and he has better success in doubles than Ilija (Bozoljac) - Zimonjic's doubles partner). But we are a team as well and we have beaten great teams in the past. Given the inexperience of our players, I think (Somdev) Devvarman has to bring you a point on the opening day and the doubles on Saturday becomes a big factor.
On playing in India: It is a nice challenge to play here and I know how much doubles is valued here. The altitude could favour us also because it could cause problems when returning service, which is one of our big weapons.
On his role as a mentor: It's just many things that you do on and off the courts when you try to help them (Lazovic and Krajinovic) see things from a different perspective. That's one of the other reasons why I'm here.