Blic reports that the Croatian city of Split will host the country's Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against Serbia.
Serbian Davis Cup team captain Bogdan Obradovic had requested that the tie be played in Zagreb, considered less nationalistic than Split. “They seemed to have decided to have it played in Split, probably after consultations with the ITF,” Obradovic told Blic. “[All] we can do about it is to request certain security measures to be applied.
"I expect a friendly atmosphere, regardless of all the malicious comments that appear on forums. Some evil spirits of the past still haven’t settled, it seems. Tennis, however, has a special dimension to it, and fans’ behavior is different. I hope the hosts understand that.”
The 12,000-seat Spaladium Arena will be the venue of the July 9-11 tie.
The decision also means that Serbia will be without team advisor Niki Pilic, who has it in his contract that he can withdraw his position if a tie is played against his home nation in his hometown of Split. In the past, Pilic has coached both German and Croat teams to Davis Cup titles.
“Naturally, this is a blow for us,” Obradovic said. “Regardless of his huge influence, I must say our strength lies in our individual players. It’s bad news he won’t be there with us in Split, but it’s up to the hosts to wonder why he feels unwelcome in his own hometown.”—M.C.