Bangalore: Indian tennis fans will know only on Monday whether world number one Novak Djokovic will come to India for the Davis Cup tie even as visiting captain Bogdan Obradovic asserted that his side would present a formidable challenge to the hosts with or without Djokovic.
Obradovic, though, refused to take India lightly and said the two teams have equal chance of winning the World Group play-off contest, starting Friday, keeping in mind conditions.
"I will talk to him (Djokovic) tonight and check with him - what is the situation now," Obradovic said.
Obradovic said he wanted to talk to Djokovic but decided against it, keeping in mind his heartbreaking US Open semi-final defeat against Kei Nishikori.
"I could not talk to him after the match. It was tough. Of course he wanted to play in the final. That's the way it is," he said.
Nishikori, the 10th seed, became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final when he swept past seven-time major winner and world number one Djokovic 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.
Obradovic was categorical that his team was formidable even if Djokovic does not turn up for the tie, the winner of which will qualify for the elite 16-nation World Group.
"I think it is going to be a tough match for both teams. We are a team with high confidence having been in the World Group for the last eight years, with or without Novak. We have a young and improving team. We have the experience of Nenad Zimonjic, a very experienced doubles player. We also have Illija Bozoljac. They have beaten the best team in the history of doubles, Bryan brothers," Obradovic said.
Obradovic they respect the home side, which has a good line up.
"Still we highly respect the Indian team. They have very good players. We will be having a tough time. So let us see - I am giving 50-50 chance to both teams," Obradovic said.
"Indian team is very strong. You have very good players. (Somdev) Devvarman and (Yuki) Bhambri are very good players. Bopanna is a great doubles player. You have (Leander) Paes also playing," he added.
Obradovic said the conditions will make it difficult for players since the courts have high bounce because of the high altitude.
"The conditions here in Bangalore - I mean the latitude - humidity is very high and also lot of wind around here. It is going to be tough for the teams," he said. You (India) are a great sporting nation. We are proud to play you guys here in India. Therefore we will give our 100 per cent," he said.
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