SPLIT, Croatia (AP)—Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic has acknowledged that Serbia, led by No. 2-ranked Novak Djokovic, will be the favorite in their Davis Cup quarterfinal this week.
"[But] it wouldn't be the first time that favorites don't win," Ljubicic said Monday.
Coach Goran Prpic says Serbia is a "tough opponent," but that Croatia "is ready for that challenge."
Balkan neighbors and rivals Croatia and Serbia will play July 9–11 in Split, Croatia.
Ljubicic joined the team after Mario Ancic and Ivo Karlovic dropped out because of injuries.
Besides Djokovic, who reached semifinals at Wimbledon, Serbia counts on Nenad Zimonjic, a top doubles player.