Serbia will make its United Cup debut on Sunday, facing China in its opening Group E match in Perth. Spearheading the team is World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who holds a standout record in Australia.
The 36-year-old, who has lifted the Australian Open a record 10 times, is excited to kick off his season at the mixed event and feels his team is finding their feet ahead of match one.
“We had practice sessions, quite a few practice sessions in the past three days,” said Djokovic, who landed in Western Australia on Thursday. “As a matter of fact, I'm going to play again today and really try and get as much time on the court as possible.
“I have always enjoyed myself [in Australia], played the best tennis and so my feelings coming into Australia this year are really positive and I really look forward to again being part of the team, which is a bit different,” Djokovic later added. “We don't get to experience that team atmosphere much. We play mostly for ourselves. But this is great where you represent your country and hopefully that will be the great start of the Australian campaign.”
"Hey! Quokka mate 📷"
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) December 30, 2023
The world No.1 gets accustomed with some Aussie wildlife (and slang) ahead of his #UnitedCup debut@DjokerNole @westaustralia #westernaustralia #WAtheDreamState pic.twitter.com/9GHEgchApd
Former World No. 12 Viktor Troicki is captaining Serbia, with 22-year-old Olga Danilovic the No. 1 women’s player. The 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals champion Hamad Medjedovic is also on the team.
Danilovic is excited to spend time with Djokovic at the event.
“Having Novak in the team and on the side and hopefully on court with me, it's a privilege,” said World No. 119 Danilovic. “You can learn so much from him, but you can learn from every player.”
Troicki, who is Medjedovic’s coach, echoed Danilovic’s words.
“Obviously having Novak in the team, it's a huge advantage,” Troicki said. “We are proud to have him. As I said always in Davis Cup, when Novak plays for us, it's a huge help and it means so much for all other players also, with his experience and of course his winning percentage. He helps us so much.”
Pitch perfect 🤌@DjokerNole is a man of MANY talents 😂#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/qOUHUow5wv
— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 30, 2023
Serbia is in Group E alongside China and Czech Republic. China defeated Czech Republic 3-0 in its opening tie on Saturday, with Zheng Qinwen and Zhang Zhizhen earning wins.
Djokovic was full of praise for Zheng, Zhang and the Chinese support at the tournament.
“I think she [Zheng] won the award for most improved player. She's great,” Djokovic said. “The Chinese tennis, particularly on the women's side, is so strong over the years with Li Na winning the first major for Chinese tennis which opened a lot of doors for young girls to play.
“It's really nice, as a tennis player, seeing how popular tennis is in China, and I think he [Zhang] is probably the most successful Chinese male player of all time. That's great, as well, because we want to see the men's tennis in China picking up.
“They are in form. They have great players. Big Chinese community here. Also Serbian community. Hopefully we can feel the energy on the stands and support for both nations and really celebrate the New Year's in best possible way for Serbians.”
