The Davis Cup has returned, with Novak Djokovic on the scene in Bologna despite not playing at the event.
Neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Jannik Sinner is playing at the Davis Cup either, which is now underway in Italy.
Italy have won the last two Davis Cup titles, with Sinner having played a key role in both successes in Malaga.
Joining Italy and Spain in the final eight this year are Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France and Germany.
Will you still be watching the Davis Cup without Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner this year?
Novak Djokovic suggests if there is a favorite to win this year’s Davis Cup
Djokovic has loved watching Sinner and Alcaraz play out their rivalry in recent times, with the Serbian now giving his verdict on a Davis Cup that both have decided not to play.
He said: “Well look it’s Davis Cup. If you’re expecting surprises anywhere, it’s going to be here. The format has changed over the years.
“Now you have two singles and a doubles, and oftentimes a quality doubles pair for a nation can decide, which we have seen over the course of the last five years.
“But you have some great quality singles players. Sascha Zverev is returning to a German team and I think they’re looking very strong.
“France was looking very strong, but then Belgium played incredible two singles matches. I saw that yesterday.
“Spain, Italy, obviously, without Sinner and Alcaraz, but they still have incredible fields, deep fields with players and teams that can win any match really, singles and doubles.
“So I think it’s quite open. There’s some favorites, but maybe slight favorites, not really clear favorites. So it’s going to be interesting to see who ends up with the trophy at the end of the week.”
Two-time defending champions Italy are already into the semifinals after beating Austria, with Belgium also into the final four after overcoming France.
How Novak Djokovic feels about Serbia’s 2010 Davis Cup success
Djokovic knows all about Davis Cup glory, having played a crucial role in Serbia’s stunning victory over France.
The legendary figure won both of his singles matches as his nation came from 2-1 behind to win 3-2 in Belgrade.
Looking back on the tournament, he said: “We all had the best years in our individual careers that followed that Davis Cup win in 2010.
“Just this collective spirit, team energy, playing for your nation, proudly wearing the crest of your country on your chest and the name on your back is something that you don’t experience much in individual sport actually, this is the most historic team competition we have.
“So you know, when you play, when you represent your country, there’s added pressure, but also added joy and motivation. So I wish everybody the very best of luck.
“And whoever wins, in case one of the nations wins it for the first time like we did back in 2010 it’s a dream come true. Honestly it’s kind of a feeling that you have to just witness to really experience it fully.”
Djokovic defeated Gilles Simon in his opener back then after his teammate Janko Tipsarevic was beaten by Gael Monfils.
But France bounced back as Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra won their doubles clash with Viktor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic.
Djokovic levelled the tie by overcoming fellow icon Monfils, with Troicki capturing the title with his win over Llodra.
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