Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Davis Cup; To Compete In The 2014 China Open
Novak Djokovic has pulled out from Davis Cup because of fatigue and family commitments. The 2014 US Open semifinalist also wants to spend more time with his pregnant wife.
In a news article by The Guardian citing the statement released by Serbia's captain Bogdan Obradovic on Sept. 8, it has been revealed that Djokovic decided to pull out of the tournament mainly because he was feeling fatigued. In addition, the World No. 1 also wants to devote extra time to wife Jelena, who is nearing the due date for the birth of their first child. The couple, who exchanged wedding vows in Monte Carlo in July only a few days after Djokovic won the Wimbledon title, is expecting a baby boy in October.
Djokovic was part of Serbia's team when it won the Davis Cup in 2010.
Serbia will face India in a best-of-five series, which will begin on Sept. 12. The winner will instantly book a place at the 2015 World Group.
Reserve player Ilija Bozoljac will fill in for Djokovic. Other players who comprised the team include 61st-ranked Dusan Lajovic, 107th-ranked Flip Krajinovic, 4th-ranked (Doubles) Nenad Zimonjic.
According to Djokovic's official website, he will compete next in the 2014 China Open. The Serbian top-ranked athlete will begin his quest for a fifth China Open crown on Sept. 29. Djokovic has won the title four times, including in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013. The winner of the tournament will receive 500 points.
Currently, Djokovic occupies the top spot of the Assocation of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world rankings with 12,290 points, with Rafael Nadal (8,670), Roger Federer (8,030), Stanislas Wawrinka (5,625), and David Ferrer (4,495) in second, third, fourth, and fifth places, respectively. Djokovic is 44-7 in the ongoing 2014 tennis season. He won four titles at the Indian Wells, Miami Open, Italian Open, and the Wimbledon Championships. The total prize money that Djokovic has won is more than $8 million.
Djokovic last played at the 2014 US Open, where he lost to Japan's Kei Nishikori, in the semifinals of the said Grand Slam event. Despite the loss, Djokovic was award prize money worth $730,000 and 720 points from the event.
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