Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic takes on Davis Cup debutante Ervin Eleskovic in the second singles rubber on day one of Serbia's tie with Sweden.
Few players would have turned out for their country just days after winning their first Wimbledon title but Novak Djokovic's commitment to the Serbian Davis Cup cause has never been in doubt. Their triumph in the competition last year was one of the biggest moments in Serbia's brief sporting history and cemented Djokovic's place as a national hero.
“Davis Cup is always important,” Djokovic said. “Me being here proves enough how I value this competition and how much I like playing for my country.”
Unfortunately for Sweden's Eleskovic (who was actually born in Serbia), there is little chance of him catching Djokovic cold. The world number one headed straight from the lawns of SW19 to join his team-mates at a training camp and despite being overwhelming favourites going into this quarter-final tie, they are taking it deadly seriously.
Eleskovic was a top junior but he has found the transition to the senior ranks tough and at the age of 24, he's currently ranked 355 and making his Davis Cup debut.
It's a baptism by fire in the competition but Eleskovic is relishing his chance. “It’s like a dream come true,” he said. “It’s my first time playing Davis Cup for Sweden in front of a home crowd and to be playing the Wimbledon champion and world No. 1 Novak – it really is like a dream.”
He actually holds a previous win over the three-time Grand Slam champion, beating him in a junior tournament in France at the age of 12. However Djokovic still remembers that defeat and is very keen to erase the memory tomorrow.
Prediction: Djokovic to cruise through in three
