World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has left open the possibility of teaming with Nenad Zimonjic in doubles against the world’s top-ranked team of Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan in Serbia’s Davis Cup tie against the United States in Boise.
Djokovic was not originally scheduled to play doubles on Saturday, but with Zimonjic’s usual partner Viktor Troicki having to play more than three hours in his loss to Sam Querrey, and Djokovic having beaten John Isner in straight sets, there may be a change of plans.
“I’m still in the option for the doubles and [we have to decide] what we want to do for tomorrow,” Djokovic said. “The good thing in our team is that we have three players that are able to play in doubles with Zimonjic that was No. 1 of the world and Grand Slam winner. So having him on the team and his experience in the doubles match tomorrow, it’s a huge, let’s say stability that we have. Whoever plays with him I think we have a good chance. Bryan brothers, of course we have a lot respect for them. They are a great team and know each other so well and most successful team ever. So you got give the role of favorite to them. But I don’t think by much, because they lost to Brazil in their last Davis Cup tie. So anything is possible really in this competition.”
Troicki did say that while his legs are tired, he might be capable of playing. Ilija Bozoljac was penciled in to play with Zimonjic, but he was not expected to play. Serbian captain Bogdan Obradovic said he has not made a decision yet.
U.S. captain Jim Courier said that either way, the Bryans will adjust accordingly.
“It doesn’t really matter to Bob and Mike,” he said. “They’re obviously extremely experienced and they have their mindset as to what they’re going to do out there. They’ll adjust, and we’ll be ready for whatever comes. We’ll be understandable if Viktor doesn’t play given the effort he had to put in today against Sam. The good news for the Serbians is that they have a player of Novak’s quality available. If he chooses to play or if the captain puts him in, I’m sure he’ll be very good… We have full trust that they’ll go out there and deliver a great performance.
“It’s not a guaranteed victory, but you feel good as a team being able to put them forward. I mean, they’re the greatest. Period. We’ll roll with that.”