Davis Cup: Serbia's coach expects a tough contest against India

Bogdan Obradovic

Bangalore, Sep 7 (IANS) Serbia's team coach Bogdan Obradovic Sunday predicted a "tough match" against India in the Davis Cup World Group playoff here next weekend. Obradovic, however, could not confirm whether his top player, World No.1 Novak Djokovic, would be here for the tie.

Djokovic, who lost in the US Open semi-finals in New York City Friday, figures in the official list put out by the International Tennis Federation, but Obradovic said he would be able to confirm the participation of the 28-year-old star only after speaking with him Sunday night.

"I still haven't had a word with Novak after his match. I plan to do so tonight (Sunday night), so 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," Obradovic said at a media interaction here Sunday.

The Serbian team, minus Djokovic and veteran Nenad Zimonvic, is already here and had their first feel of the new Rebound Ace court at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association stadium. Obradovic said Zimonvic was expected to join the team Monday.

Obradovic admitted that it would be tough for his team without Djokovic, but said his players were high on confidence after being in the World Group for eight years.

"I think this is going to be a tough match for both teams. The conditions are tough - the humidity is high, the sun is out and there is a lot of wind as well. Even without Novak, we have a good team and we are high on confidence.

"We lost a difficult match against Switzerland without Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic but still we are confident. Dusan Lajovic and Filip Krajinovic are improving a lot and Nenad Zimonjic is an experienced guy to have for doubles.

"Someone like (reserve) Ilija Bozoljac plays well with him and they showed that by beating the (World No.1 pair) Bryan Brothers (of the United States) last year," the coach said.

On the playing surface, Obradovic said: "The surface is quite fast, the ball is bouncing high and also moving fast through the air because of the altitude. So it's going to be very tough to control shots.

"These are complicated conditions, but it's the same for both teams. We played in a same altitude indoors against the US in Boise, Idaho, last year but this is much tougher," he said.

On the home team, Obradovic said: "We have a lot of respect for the Indian team as there are some good players in the line-up. It will be tough for us, but it is still 50:50. Somdev Devvarman is a good player as are Yuki Bhambri and Rohan Bopanna. Leander Paes playing doubles makes it a strong team."