Novak Djokovic did not represent Serbia in either of their two Davis Cup ties this year.
Djokovic had planned to play in the Davis Cup, with the 24-time major champion previously insisting that representing Serbia is one of his main priorities alongside Grand Slams.
However, after Djokovic got injured at the Australian Open, he was unable to represent Serbia in their tie against Denmark.
Serbia lost that tie and therefore had to compete against Türkiye for an opportunity to return to the World Group, but Djokovic was not present again.
With the 2010 champions now back into that top group, questions have been directed to Serbia captain Viktor Troicki about whether he expects to have Djokovic for their tie against Chile next year.
Viktor Troicki suggests if he thinks Novak Djokovic will play in the Davis Cup next year
Former world number 12 Troicki, who won the Davis Cup as a player alongside Djokovic in 2010, has been the captain of the Serbia team since December 2020.
The closest he has come to replicating Serbia’s 2010 success as a captain came in 2021 and 2023, where they reached the semifinals.
As he looks to take that even further in 2026, Serbia will take on Chile in their first Qualifier tie in February in South America.
In a new interview with Chile news outlet El Mercurio, Troicki was asked if he is expecting to have Djokovic available for this tie.
While he did not rule out the possibility, Troicki implied that Djokovic’s participation will likely depend on what happens to him at the Australian Open.
“It is too early to say if Novak will be on the team,” said Troicki. “Definitely with him, we would be one of the strongest teams, and Novak has already helped us many times by winning his matches. We have to see after the Australian Open, depending on the result, how he fares and how he feels.
Troicki added, “We assume the matches will be played on clay… some of our tennis players usually go to South America to play the Latin America Swing, so they are adapted to the clay court. It’s a very difficult series for both nations… I know how involved the crowd can be there.”
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Chilean Grand Slam finalist says if he wants Novak Djokovic to play
Troicki is not the only person to comment on whether Djokovic will be available for this Davis Cup tie, with 2004 Olympic doubles champion and the last Chilean player to reach a Grand Slam singles final, Fernando Gonzalez, also having his say.
Gonzalez admitted his conflicting feelings to Redgol, claiming that it would be a ‘dream’ to have him play in Chile, but perhaps would make it harder for his nation to win the tie.
“Everyone expects Novak to come, but I see it as very, very difficult,” said Gonzalez. “He’s a player who’s already optimizing his schedule, and it’s a bit far for him to come here.
“I think that from a sporting perspective, it’s better for our country if he doesn’t come, so hopefully they can advance to the next round. I also think it’s an important opportunity for all Chilean fans to enjoy.”
Gonzalez added, “He is the best player in history, he has won the most, he is still active, the other two, Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal), are retired, but of course, it would be a dream to see him play.”
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If Djokovic does choose to play then it will be the first time he has represented Serbia since helping his nation beat Greece in September 2024.
The Davis Cup Qualifier tie between Serbia and Chile is expected to take place between February 6-8.
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