Viktor Troicki reveals Novak Djokovic is currently in Spain with his family as the Serbian team captain does not expect the world No. 1 to be with the Serbian team during this week’s Davis Cup weekend.
Last Friday, Djokovic concluded his Australian Open run following a 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6) 6-3 loss to Jannik Sinner in the semifinal. After playing what was in his own words “one of my worst Grand Slam matches,” Djokovic made an interesting decision and went to Spain instead of returning to Serbia.
On Friday and Saturday, Serbia will be hosting Slovakia in the Davis Cup qualifiers. Djokovic, who previously confirmed he would not be available for the tie, also isn’t expected to make an appearance as a guest.
“I don’t think he will come, he is in Spain with his family,” Troicki told Sportal.
Recently, Djokovic hinted that he plans to make some “interesting choices.”
“We haven’t spoken on that topic,” Troicki revealed.
Viktor Troicki and Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Aitor Alcalde
Troicki: We can do a lot with Djokovic on the team
Against Slovakia, Serbia will be represented by Miomir Kecmanovic, Laslo Djere, Dusan Lajovic, and Nikola Cacic. Hamad Medjedovic, the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals champion, withdrew from the tie due to illness.
“Same story again. We have a great team, but everything depends on Novak, of course. If he is in the team, we can really do a lot,” Troicki said.
Viktor Troicki and Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
In late November, Serbia was 1-0 up on Italy in their Davis Cup semifinal tie and Djokovic had a chance to seal a final spot for Serbia by beating Sinner. Unfortunately for Djokovic, he failed to get the job done after missing out on three consecutive match points before Sinner sealed a 6-2 2-6 7-5 win.
Later, Djokovic and Kecmanovic also lost to Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego in the deciding mixed doubles match and Serbia exited the Davis Cup in the semifinal.
When asked about Sinner’s win over Djokovic in Melbourne, Troicki acknowledged that the Davis Cup win probably helped the Italian to play more freely in their Australian Open match. However, Troicki also highlighted that Djokovic was not playing his best throughout the entire tournament and underlined that the world No. 1 is “just a person and not a machine.”
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