Belgrade, Serbia, Sept 15: U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic was picked to play the opening singles match in the Davis Cup semifinals against David Nalbandian of Argentina, although he could still be replaced if he is too tired.
“Nole is coming back today. We will see how he will feel and whether he will be ready,” said 16th-ranked Viktor Troicki, who is expected to replace Djokovic if need be. “If he is not ready, I am.”
In Friday's other singles match, Janko Tipsarevic will face Juan Martin del Potro. In Saturday's doubles, Janko Tipsarevic and Nenad Zimonjic will take on Juan Monaco and Juan Ignacio Chela.
Djokovic was not present for Thursday's draw at the Belgrade Arena. Davis Cup officials said Djokovic has been held up in New York and will join the team later.
Djokovic led Serbia to its first Davis Cup title last year. The country made its debut in the competition in 1995, competing as Yugoslavia from 1995-2003, and as Serbia and Montenegro from 2004-06.
Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic said Djokovic still needs to assess his condition.
“Novak does not even need training here, just that half an hour before the match,” Obradovic said. “So huge is his confidence, we can all feel that.”
Last year, Djokovic pulled out of the opening match of the semifinals against the Czech Republic because he needed rest after the U.S. Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in the final. Troicki was a late replacement for Serbia on the opening day, while Djokovic played the reverse singles.
This year, Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal on Monday in four sets to win his third Grand Slam title this year. He also won Wimbledon and the Australian Open, but lost in the French Open semifinals.
Argentina captain Tito Vazquez said he does not plan to make any changes prior to the matches.
“We have come here to win,” Vazquez said. “It will be very hard, but we are ready.”
Del Potro, who will face Djokovic in reverse singles on Sunday, said he was ready.
“I've never beaten him. It will be hard,” the 2009 U.S. Open champion said. “But I will do all I can.”
Serbia made it to the Davis Cup semifinals after beating Sweden, while Argentina defeated Kazakhstan. Spain and France are also in the semifinals, and Nadal is scheduled to open against Richard Gasquet at home in Cordoba. AP
