Though its a daunting task to face Serbia in Davis Cup World Group play-off, India might still celebrate as the tie could bring Novak Djokovic to the country. However, tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi says that it would be good for India if World No.2 skips the tie.
"Ideally for us, if Novak doesn't show up, I think life could become easier. We can just hope he doesn't," he said, adding that facing Serbia could be a difficult task. He remained optimistic though. "Any opponent is difficult in the Davis Cup. Once teams come to India, I feel anything is possible, so we are looking to play the home tie."
The tie will played in India, from September 12 to 14, the week after the US Open.
Serbia, the 2010 champions and last year's finalists, were without the services of Djokovic for their first round engagement and fell 2-3 to Switzerland with Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka picking up the first two points on the opening day of the clash in January.
Though Bhupathi is semi-retired, he said that he will play in the September clash if asked to. "I am always available. I know the captain's talked about the same just like coach has. I think it is important because the doubles will be pivotal in that match, so lets see how things pan out."
About India's win against South Korea, he said, "It is very exciting. We had not beaten Korea in Korea before. I have been part of many teams that has been to Korea and have come disappointed, because it is so hard to beat those guys there. I think Somdev and the boys did amazingly well and this a chance to play in the world group."
Bhupathi also remains optimistic of India's chances in the Asian games to be held in Incheon, South Korea in September-October this year. "We have always been a power house when it comes to the Asian Games. I know when I played in Doha we won all the medals and also in Guangzhou, we won all the medals. When we go there, we are always considered favourites to win a bunch of medals, so I am sure this time also, no matter what kind of team we field we are always there in contention."
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