Novak Djokovic has pulled out of this week’s Davis Cup play-off against India because of fatigue and family commitments. The Serbia captain, Bogdan Obradovic, said yesterday that Djokovic, who lost to Kei Nishikori in the US Open semi-finals on Saturday, also wants to spend time with his wife Jelena, who is expecting their first child. “I spoke to Djokovic last night and he said he will not come to India,” Obradovic said. “The main reason for this being fatigue.”
Serbia will face India in a best-of-five series starting on Friday for a spot in next year’s World Group.
Serbia, already without the injured Janko Tipsarevic, are likely to include the reserve player Ilija Bozoljac in the team. Others in the team include the 61st-ranked Dusan Lajovic, Filip Krajinovic, ranked 108th, and the doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic.
For India, Somdev Devvarman (144th) and Yuki Bhambri (153rd) are expected to play singles while the doubles specialist Leander Paes is likely to team up with Rohan Bopanna. — The Guardian



