Serbia's Illija Bozoljac today said that their team has the ability to perform well despite world No 1 Novak Djokovic's absence in the upcoming Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against India to be played from September 12 to 14 at KSLTA stadium here.
"We were without Novak even in Belgrade and Novi Sad. We also been without some of our good players at times. Despite this, we have done well. Anyway, we have a good team. We are looking forward to the match," Bozoljac, who will replace Djokovic in singles, said here after the practice session at the KSLTA.
The World No. 1 has pulled out of the Davis Cup tie against India owing to fatigue and family commitments.
Bozoljac, however, did not count out Indian team for giving them a fight, especially when Leander Paes has made himself available for the tie.
"If Leander Paes plays, then it will be tough. Every match is tough," he said.
"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. We travel a lot and play in different conditions," he added.
Bozoljac said the Indian players have weather and other sundry advantages in their favour, but his team-mates have enough time to prepare for the tie.
"It is part of the good tennis player how he adjusts to different conditions. You (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," he said.
Serbian captain Bogdan Obradovic said, had Djokovic played, the team would have been stronger but still the side boasts of good emerging players.
"We have a very confident team. With Novak, we would have been stronger, but still, you know we have players who are rising stars," he said.
