Bangalore: It would have been great for Indian tennis had Novak Djokovic decided to turn up in this week's Davis Cup tie in Bangalore, country's leading singles star Somdev Devvarman said on Monday.
Djokovic was named in the Serbian Davis Cup squad but the world number one today withdrew, two days after suffering defeat in the US Open semi-final against Kei Nishikori.
"I wanted him to play in India for the crowd and for tennis in India. It would have been nice to have that kind of a player," Somdev, who joined the Indian squad today, said after a practice session.
"There are chances for India without him (Djokovic). But other guys are extremely tough and are both ranked higher than Yuki and I are," he said.
India had lost to Serbia in the absence of Djokovic last time around when the two sides clashed in World Group first round in 2011. Somdev said they had played in Serbia against top quality players like Viktor Troicki and Janko Tipsarevic.
On Leander Paes' inclusion in the side, Somdev said,"His records in Davis Cup speaks for itself - Fantastic player. It strengthens our doubles match. Yeah it helps us win a match and it is good for the team."
"Doubles point is our best chance. I feel if we can win a point on the first day, things are going to be interesting," he added.
However, both teams boasts of good doubles players in the form of Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna for India, and Filip Krajinovic and Nenad Zimonjic.
"Zimonjic has had an incredible year. He is playing with lot of confidence. Krajinovic is his partner. They beat the Bryans (Bob Bryan and brother Mike Bryan) in altitude before - both big serving teams. Bops can serve big and Lee is out clutch player, one who performs under pressure," he said.
"For Indian players it is an opportunity to play in the World Group and play against good players, and hence we have to play good tennis," he said.
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