Delighted that Thiem, Dimitrov and Zverev will be my guests: Djokovic

Novak Djokovic marked his return to Serbia, after being stranded within the Spanish resort of Marbella for 2 months as a result of coronavirus lockdown, by asserting that he has organised an occasion which will likely be contested throughout the Balkans.

When the world primary had travelled to Marbella along with his household in mid-March to go to his youthful brother Marko, he had no concept it will be one other two months earlier than he may return to his homeland on Sunday.

But it was not all unhealthy information for Djokovic.

“Unlike many other players, I was able to train almost every day because we resided in a house with a tennis court,” a tanned Djokovic instructed a information convention at his personal tennis complicated in downtown Belgrade by the Danube river.

“I refrained from posting clips on social networks because I didn’t want to infuriate other players. I am fit and in good shape, so I am looking forward to the Adria Tour, which I am organising.”

Australian Open holder Djokovic, who went on an 18-Zero run initially of the season, confirmed there could be three huge names other than himself on the June 13-July 5 event.

“I am delighted that Dominic Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev will be my guests here in my hometown,” mentioned the 17-times main champion.

“This is the first time any of them will be playing here and I will do everything in my power to be a good host.

“We would dearly love for fans to be able to attend but that’s still not certain because we have to abide by the Serbian government’s coronavirus regulations.”

The first leg will happen on pink clay in Belgrade on June 13 and 14 at Djokovic’s complicated and the second in Croatia’s coastal resort Zadar on June 20 and 21.

Montenegro and Bosnia have been designated to host the ultimate two legs however Djokovic mentioned the infrastructure was nonetheless not in place.

“Bosnia and Montenegro are still not 100% certain as the hosts of the final two legs because we haven’t had enough time to prepare the infrastructure, but we are very nearly there.

“As for the three big names coming over, they will all play in the opening leg in Belgrade. Zverev might play in Croatia too while Dimitrov could appear in Croatia and in Montenegro.”

All 4 tournaments will characteristic eight gamers, competing in two swimming pools of 4 on a round-robin foundation with the winners of every pool advancing to the ultimate.

Djokovic added units could be slashed to successful 4 video games as a substitute of six, with a complete of 13 matches to be performed over two days in every leg.

Asked whether or not he thought of inviting longtime rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to the occasion, Djokovic mentioned: “Quite frankly, inviting Federer didn’t cross my mind because… he is still nursing a knee injury.

“As for Nadal, I have no problem giving him a call but I wouldn’t expect him to come over.”

(Writing by Zoran Milosavljevic; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)