Novak Djokovic pulls out of Serbia Davis Cup team ahead of the group stage

Serbian star Novak Djokovic has revoked his availability for Serbia’s Davis Cup commitments citing personal reasons. Djokovic was due to lead his country in this month’s Group B matches against Spain, Korea, and Canada. But it has been confirmed that the former World No.1 has pulled out of the team event.

Serbia captain Viktor Troicki revealed that Djokovic had intimated that he would be unavailable to lead his country’s efforts to repeat their sensational triumph of 2010. Troicki said that Nole will not play for personal reasons. It is his personal matter. Simply, this time Djokovic will be prevented from playing the group stage games, but he will join the national team if we qualify for the final tournament in Malaga in November.

Djokovic has endured a stormy year so far, missing a host of big competitions including the Australian Open, having been deported just a day before the competition started. This was due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19, which was also the reason for him to miss tournaments in Miami and Indian Wells, as well as the US Open. One shining light, however, was Djokovic’s Wimbledon triumph, which saw him take his tally to 21 Grand Slam wins.

Troicki has revealed the name of the players who will be representing Serbia in the Davis Cup and the list includes Miomir Kecmanovic, Filip Krajinovic, Laslo Djere, Dusan Lajovic, and Nikola Cacic. Djokovic’s absence will come as a big blow to organizers, especially as Spain no.1 Rafael Nadal had already confirmed he will not be participating in the tournament.

Great Britain’s team, who will play their group matches in Glasgow, features Andy Murray, alongside Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Joe Salisbury. Murray expressed that it is very special to be back on the team as he prepares to play in the competition for the first time in three years.

After winning the Wimbledon title, Djokovic admitted that his experiences this year had changed his perspective on things but at the same time he feels no pressure to rack up further achievements in his all-time great career.

The Serbian said that he was not feeling great mentally and emotionally. Djokovic added that he wanted to play but just felt so much pressure and emotions happening. He was not feeling himself on the court. It is unclear at this stage when Djokovic will return to the ATP Tour and competitive tennis after missing out on the US Open.