Davis Cup: Serbs counting on young guns

Putting on a brave front, Serbia, the 2010 champions, Monday asserted that the absence of World No.1 Novak Djokovic will not unduly weaken the side for their Davis Cup World Group play-off against India here this weekend.

Team captain Bogdan Obradovic said here that he would be counting on the youngsters to pull their weight and pointed out that Serbia had won ties in the absence of Djokovic and also some other leading players.

"We have a very confident team. With Novak, we would have been stronger but still we have players who are rising in the game. In our team, we have two youngsters Dusan Lajovic (24) and Filip Krajinovic (22). They have been doing well on the tour. Though Lajovic lost in the first round of the US Open, he has experience in Davis Cup. He and Krajinovic have played together for many years and know each other very well," said Obradovic.

"Ilija Bozoljac is a good singles player, runs very well and has played some good matches. He can also play doubles and that is good for our team, especially on the third day as we never know what will happen Saturday."

On Djokovic's pull-out, the captain said: "He is very tired. He wants to take rest and get ready for the last part of the season. He wants to stay as No.1 till the end of the season. Also, there are personal reasons after he got married and wants to spend some time at home. That is normal part of life."

Obradovic declined to elaborate on his team composition stating that there is still some time before the tie commences Friday.

"We have four more days to go. We will see who is hitting the ball well and who is fitter and then decide on the combination," he said.

Bozoljac is likely to play after being drafted into the team in place of Djokovic, exuded confidence about his team's chances.

"We were without Novak even in Belgrade and Novi Sad, and also, we have been without some of our good players at times. Anyway, we have a good team. We are looking forward to the match. If Leander Paes plays, then it will be tough. But it doesn't matter who is on the other side of the net, we have to do our best and believe in victory. That is what makes Davis Cup a special competition," said Bozoljac.

"We travel a lot and play in different conditions. It is part of a good tennis player how he adjusts to different conditions. We are on the court here as much as we can and try to experience the conditions. Indian players have advantage because you are used to the weather, time and everything else. We have enough time and hope to get as much preparations as we can," added the 29-year old who is ranked No.171.