Novak Djokovic’s Davis Cup aspirations are in the hands of doctors as he awaits a decision from his medical team.
Djokovic is currently sidelined from action due to an eye infection. At the Dubai Tennis Championships he was forced to retire during his match against Feliciano Lopez due to the issue. The retirement has ended his 2016 unbeaten streak of 14 wins. Shortly after the retirement, the world No.1 told the media that he was also suffering from an allergy.
“It’s an eye problem,” Djokovic said.
“I have had it ever since I arrived in Dubai. It started with an infection and then severe allergy”.
The problem has now put his Davis Cup plans in jeopardy. Djokovic is due to lead the Serbian team in their clash against Kazakhstan this weekend. During an interview with Blic Sports, the captain of Serbia’s Davis Cup team, Bogdan Obradovic, has shed more light on Djokovic’s current situation.
“Tuesday is the day of the decision. Then we will know everything. Djokovic was in the hotel, we talked … Every decision we make together, and he’s always in the interest of the team.” Obradovic told Blic.rs.
“He went for an examination by an ophthalmologist, but I am still not sure what state his eyes were in”.
“We will both agree and publish a decision that will as always be the best for Serbia.” He added
The world No.1 currently has a Davis Cup win-loss record of 27-7. Last year he played in Serbia’s clash against Croatia, where he guided his team to a 5-0 triumph.
The absence of Djokovic will be a massive blow to the Serbian team. If he is cleared to play, the 28-year-old will start training today. As a decision on Djokovic looms, the captain of the Serbian team remains optimistic.
“Absolutely. Not only me, but the whole team. We all hope that Novak will be in the team and play for the weekend match”. He said.
Obradovic has also stated that ‘all cards are on the table’ for the upcoming tie. If Djokovic is fit, he refused to rule out the possibility of him playing in the doubles as well if he is not too tired. If Djokovic is forced to withdraw from the Davis Cup, Dusan Lajovic is currently the most likely replacement for him.
Serbian’s upcoming tie against Kazakhstan will take place on home soil at the Pionir Hall in Belgrade.
