Against all odds, world number 1 Novak Djokovic has been named in the Serbia squad to play the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against India.
The Davis Cup encounter will be organised by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association in Bangalore from 12-14 September.
Bogdan Obradovic will be the captain of the visiting side and other team members include Dusan Lajovic, Ranked 61 in the world, 108th-ranked Filip Krajinovic, multiple doubles Grand Slam winner Nenad Zimonjic and of course seven-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic.
Facing the mighty Serbians for India will be world no. 143 Somdev Devvarman and 151st-ranked Yuki Bhambri, in singles, while the doubles side will feature world no. 29 Rohan Bopanna and 191st-ranked Saketh Myneni.
The winner of the tie will advance to the elite 16-nation World Group. Therefore, Serbia has fielded their best team to avoid any upset.
While, the the country has to announce their squad 10 days prior to the tournament commencement date, the nominated players can be changed up to one hour before the draw that is generally held one day before the tournament starts.
This gives an uncertainty about Djokovic's arrival to India as he wants to spend time with his new wife, Jelena Ristic, who is expecting their first child.
"It really depends on a few things," the Serb said when asked about his availability for the David Cup rubber.
"But for now I'm on the list. I spoke to the players. I spoke to the Davis Cup captain, and, you know, I'm on the list. But we have to see how this tournament goes.
"My wife is not here. I haven't seen her for a while. I just see her stomach is growing, on Skype and Facetime, but I want to spend some time with her.
"So I'll see. Of course playing for the country is something that awakens a real passion in me and a sense of belonging and really positive emotion and drive. But on the other hand, I'm about to become a father, so that's something that is a priority now."
Serbia were the champions in the 2010 Davis Cup and stood second last year. They also recorded a 4-1 victory over India, led by Djokovic, at Novi Sad in 2011.
