Novak Djokovic is optimistic that he will be able to overcome his recent eye problems to play in Serbia’s upcoming tie against Kazakhstan.
The world No.1 was forced to retire during his quarterfinal match against Feliciano Lopez at the Dubai Tennis Championships last week due to an eye infection. It was the first time that the Serbian has lost a match by retirement since 2011. Earlier this week Djokovic visited an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist) to assess the extent of the problem, according to Serbia’s Davis Cup captain Bogdan Obradovic.
Djokovic resumed training yesterday and is hopeful that he will be ready in time for the clash in Belgrade, which begins on Friday. During a press conference on Wednesday, the positive 28-year-old attended a press conference wearing black protective glasses.
“All is going well regarding my recovery and I am optimistic about playing in the tie.” The world No.1 told the media.
“I was very sceptical about playing at first, but I still have two days left to adapt to the light and other indoor conditions and hopefully I will be OK.”
In his Davis Cup Career, Djokovic has won 30 out of his 39 matches (27 singles matches and three doubles). He is currently on a 9-match winning streak in the event. His last loss occurred in 2011 when he retired against Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro due to injury and fatigue.
The Serbian team is the strong favorites for the upcoming tie with four top-100 players (three singles and one doubles) in their team compared to Kazakhstan’s one (Mikhail Kukushkin No.79).
If Serbia wins their tie this weekend, they could encounter a second round clash with defending champions Great Britain (if Britain defeats Japan in their opening tie). Andy Murray has recently committed to every Davis Cup tie this year, putting a potential future showdown between Djokovic and Murray on the cards.
#SRBKAZ Bogdan Obradovic’s Serbian team to face Kazakhstan: @DjokerNole @troicki_viktor @filipkrajinovic & @nenadzim pic.twitter.com/4HBpxKS3Al
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 23 February 2016
