Djokovic to join Team Serbia for two of three ties at Davis Cup this week
Novak Djokovic has confirmed he’ll be heading to Spain this week to join Team Serbia in their Davis Cup campaign
© Zuma / Panoramic
After winning the US Open on Sunday evening, Novak Djokovic has quickly assured that he will follow through on his earlier promise to prioritise the Davis Cup in 2023.
Despite having just played for two weeks and winning his third Grand Slam of the season, the Serbian will now head to Spain to join Team Serbia, as they take on South Korea, Czech Republic and Spain in the Davis Cup Finals group stage this week.
However, the newly christened world No 1 will not travel immediately, opting to miss the team’s first tie against South Korea on Tuesday.
Djokovic to play Davis Cup on Friday and Saturday
While Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from Spain’s team, meaning there will be no fourth encounter for the year between the world’s top two players at the Davis Cup, Djokovic confirmed his attendance:
“Right now, I just want to enjoy the success for a few days because I’m playing for Serbia in Davis Cup. I’m not going to play on Tuesday, but I’ll play on Friday and Saturday.”
“Davis Cup is my priority until the end of the season,” Djokovic said to Serbian media after the final in New York.
Earlier this year, following his Wimbledon semi-final, the 24-time Grand Slam champion had pledged his commitment to the Serbian Davis Cup team this year, saying:
“I will play this year and I am looking forward to it. Last year, I was really hoping to join the guys for the finals tournament, but unfortunately they didn’t make it out of the group. It was a very tough group, though.”
Kecmanovic looking forward to Djokovic boost
“We can’t wait to have him for Friday,” fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic shared with a news conference after Djokovic confirmed his Davis Cup commitment.
“It definitely takes a little bit of the pressure off since he always carried the team so well.
“Our focus is to get through Tuesday, hopefully get the win and then start a little bit more relaxed on Friday.
While Serbia have a challenging pool with home side Spain and threats in the form of the Czech Republic as well, it could have been much more difficult, had Carlos Alcaraz not withdrawn recently.
“We know what to expect this year. Each team has its own strengths,” Kecmanovic continued.
“I guess Spain is the No 1 contender besides us, but the other two teams have some amazing players also, so here when you play two singles and one doubles with the doubles potentially deciding everything, it’s anybody’s game.
“Everybody is ready to show their best and, hopefully, this time we can go to Malaga for the final.”
