'Exhausted' Djokovic defended for missing Serbia's Davis Cup first round tie against Switzerland

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has reportedly been defended over his decision to miss his country's Davis Cup first round tie against a full-strength Switzerland.

With world number two Djokovic resting, the Swiss will be strong favourites to advance after 17-time Major winner Roger Federer joined Australian Open winner Stanislas Wawrinka as a surprise late inclusion.

According to Sport24, however, Serbian team coach Bogdan Obradovic said that Djokovic has earned his right to miss the first round tie of the Davis Cup as he is exhausted and needs to recuperate for what will be a gruelling season on the ATP Tour.

The report mentioned that the draw pitted Federer against world number 268 Ilija Bozoljac in Friday's opening singles rubber.

Obradovic also said that as Djokovic had played many matches for his country, his priority this season is to recapture the number one spot on the ATP tour from Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

The report mentioned that with Janko Tipsarevic sidelined with a long-term heel injury and Viktor Troicki suspended after missing a blood test last April, 2010 winners Serbia require what would amount to one of the biggest shocks in Davis Cup history to eliminate the Swiss.