Novak Djokovic hopeful of repeating Madrid masterclass in Davis Cup

Novak Djokovic says that he hopes to repeat his Madrid Masters win earlier this year when he leads Serbia in the newly revamped Davis Cup this week.

The tournament will be held for the first time in it’s new format, which sees home and away ties spread out across the year replaced by a week-long tournament.

Caja Maciga, the home of the Madrid Masters is this year’s venue, although the clay that Djokovic claimed this year’s title on has been replaced by a hardcourt for the Davis Cup.

Djokovic, though, can’t wait to get started, especially after such a long time since he last represented Serbia on a court.

“Obviously I’ve had a great experience this year in the Madrid tournament, I like playing here, I like the conditions,” Djokovic told reporters.

“I had an hour something of practice, everything went well.

“Being part of the national team is something that I always valued very much.

“I have not played for the Serbia national team for several years, so I missed the feeling of being with my friends, with my colleagues and the guys that create great atmosphere.

“We’re going to stay hopefully until the end of the tournament and have success.”

The Davis Cup will also be the farewell to Serb Janko Tipsarevic, who will retire after the tournament after seven surgeries in five years.

“I would lie if I say if I didn’t think about the potential end of my professional career would happen in Davis Cup,” said Tipsarevic.

“It’s never a good time to retire but if I could choose the moment, this would be the moment.”

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