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Page last updated at 13:44 GMT, Wednesday, 1 December 2010

Serbia's Djokovic banking on home support in Davis Cup

Janko Tipsarevic, Nenad Zimonjic, Viktor Troicki, team captain Bogdan Obradovic, Novak Djokovic and Ilija Bozoljac
The Serbian team will try to make history with a first Davis Cup title

Novak Djokovic believes the support of the home crowd will be "crucial" when Serbia take on France in the Davis Cup final in Belgrade.

Captain Bogdan Obradovic says winning a first-ever Davis Cup title would be the biggest achievement in Serbia's sporting history.

A crowd of over 16,000 will pack into the Belgrade Arena when play gets under way with the opening singles on Friday.

"It's going to be crucial for us to have very big support," said Djokovic.

"It's going to be an unpredictable match against a very strong French team and the crowd's support can play a key role.

We are not afraid of anything, we know how good Novak and the other Serbian boys are

France captain Guy Forget

"We've always had huge home support, and you can feel the interest and the passion of the people who want to come here and support their team."

Djokovic is very much the star of the Serbian side and the world number three is certain to play both singles rubbers, but the identity of the second singles player remains unknown as Obradovic must choose between Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki.

Doubles number three Nenad Zimonjic completes the Serbian squad.

Djokovic could face a rematch with Michael Llodra in the opening match on Friday after the Frenchman's recent good run in Paris, which included a win over the Serb.

606: DEBATE

"I have never played on such a fast surface [as Paris], except maybe on grass," added Djokovic. "It's going to be much slower here.

"I don't mind playing him. I have beaten him in the past."

Llodra will compete with Gilles Simon for a singles spot alongside Gael Monfils, with Arnaud Clement available for the doubles.

"We are not afraid of anything, we know how good Novak and the other Serbian boys are," said France captain Guy Forget.

"We also know that when you play away the atmosphere is sometimes hard and you have to be ready. It's going to be a great match, a tough match and we are really looking forward to it."



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see also
Serbia reach first Davis Cup semi
11 Jul 10 |  Tennis
France defeat Spain in Davis Cup
10 Jul 10 |  Tennis
Spain clinch Davis Cup final win
06 Dec 09 |  Tennis
US can recapture Davis Cup glory
01 Dec 10 |  Tennis


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