NOVI SAD, Serbia (AP)—Viktor Troicki will start Serbia’s Davis Cup title defense against India’s Rohan Bopanna in their first-round tie on Friday.
The draw on Thursday also pitted Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic against India No. 1 Somdev Devvarman.
India captain Shiv Prakash Mishra said he hoped Devvarman would be playing the opening singles.
“He is our No. 1 player, and if he won there would be less pressure on Rohan,” Mishra said.
Troicki was the hero of Serbia’s 3-2 Davis Cup victory against France in last year’s final, winning the decisive rubber against Michael Llodra.
“I know what I can do against Bopanna and expect to win,” the 18th-ranked Troicki said. “I don’t expect hiccups.”
He and Bopanna, ranked 629th, will meet for the first time.
Tipsarevic had a 2-0 record against Devvarman, including an ATP win in India last year.
He was more cautious than Tipsarevic, saying India should not be underestimated.
“India is a good team that beat Brazil in the playoffs,” Tipsarevic said. “Devvarman likes the hard surface.”
Doubles are scheduled for Saturday, and reverse singles on Sunday.
Serbia No. 1 Novak Djokovic decided to skip the tie because of fatigue after winning the Australian Open and Dubai titles in recent weeks.
India also had a setback, with experienced doubles pair Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi withdrawing with injuries.