Novak Djokovic Keeps Serbia Davis Cup Hopes Alive Despite Injury and Relocation
In a significant development for Serbian tennis, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has indicated his continued desire to represent Serbia in the Davis Cup, despite currently being sidelined from team qualifiers. The tennis superstar withdrew from Serbia's Davis Cup qualifying tie against Denmark early in 2025 due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Australian Open semi-final.
Injury and Family Move Impact Participation
The hamstring injury that forced Djokovic's withdrawal has been compounded by his family's relocation to Greece, where he has been spending substantial time in Athens with his wife and children. Following his injury recovery, Djokovic has been living in Greece while continuing to participate in ATP Tour events, establishing what appears to be a new home base for the tennis legend.
Serbia's Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki emphasized Djokovic's ongoing importance to the national team, stating that the champion remains a major figure for Serbian tennis. Troicki hinted strongly that Djokovic could return to represent Serbia in future Davis Cup ties once he regains full fitness and availability.
Captain Troicki Confirms Djokovic's Commitment
"Novak believes that Serbia can continue to progress in the Davis Cup, and he would like to play and keep representing his country," Troicki told Tennis Head. The captain highlighted Djokovic's two-decade-long passionate representation of Serbia, acknowledging the challenges the player has faced in recent years.
"For over 20 years, Djokovic has played with passion for our country," Troicki continued. "In recent years, it hasn't been easy for him to play on different surfaces, and it's hard for him not to be with the team. But he wants to play when he is available, and he still gives us his support."
Training Continues Despite Davis Cup Absence
Although immediate participation in the Davis Cup has been ruled out due to his injury recovery timeline, Djokovic continues to maintain his training regimen and competitive schedule in other tournaments while based in Greece. His relocation to Athens has attracted considerable attention within the tennis community, marking a significant personal and professional transition for the champion.
Troicki stressed that Djokovic's presence provides Serbia with a substantial competitive advantage, suggesting the team maintains hope for his availability in crucial future matches. The captain's comments underscore the psychological and strategic boost Djokovic brings to the Serbian squad whenever he participates.
Future Participation Remains Open
For the current qualifying phase, Serbia will compete without their star player, but both Djokovic and Troicki have made it clear that when fitness and scheduling permit, the tennis great would be welcomed back into the national squad. This mutual understanding keeps the door open for Djokovic's return to Davis Cup action, maintaining hope for Serbian tennis fans worldwide.
The situation represents a delicate balance between Djokovic's personal priorities, injury management, and national team commitments. As he continues his recovery and adapts to life in Greece, the tennis world watches closely for developments that might see one of the sport's greatest champions once again donning Serbian colors in Davis Cup competition.
