"With him we are one of the strongest teams": Victor Troicki hints at a potential Djokovic return for a crucial tie in Davis Cup

Serbia is preparing for one of the most complex Davis Cup qualifiers of the 2026 season, and captain Viktor Troicki made no attempt to soften the reality. After a turbulent 2025 campaign—eliminated in the first round of the qualifiers without Novak Djokovic and later returning to form against Turkey—Serbia now face Chile away from home in February.

The draw itself placed Serbia among the seeded teams, yet the tie is anything but favorable. Chile boasts three former top-20 players—Nicolás Jarry (No. 123), Cristian Garín (No. 80), and Alejandro Tabilo (No. 81)—who, despite being far from their peak rankings, remain dangerous on clay.

Troicki acknowledged both the challenge and the expected surface, pointing out Serbia’s own comfort on red dirt: “We assume the matches will be played on clay... some of our tennis players usually go to South America to play the Latin America Swing, so they are adapted to the clay court,” he assured in an interview with El Mercurio. “It’s a very difficult series for both nations... I know how involved the crowd can be there.”

Serbia’s dependence on Djokovic in past Davis Cup campaigns has been obvious. Without him in 2025, a 2–0 lead over Denmark collapsed before Serbia’s elimination in the opening round—a defeat that highlighted the fine margins of the competition. Djokovic’s presence has historically transformed Serbia into a title contender, as shown when he led them to the trophy in 2010 and several deep runs afterward.

For 2026, however, Troicki stressed that certainty is impossible: “It is too early to say if Novak will be on the team,” assured the Serbian captain. “Definitely with him, we would be one of the strongest teams, and Novak has already helped us many times by winning his matches.”

Their most recent victory against Turkey in September revived Serbia’s confidence, with Miomir Kecmanović and Hamad Medjedović stepping up decisively in the absence of their top star. Still, facing Chile in South America presents a different level of difficulty—altitude, environment, and surface all working in the hosts’ favour. Troicki emphasized that Djokovic’s decision will depend on his physical state following the Australian Open, reiterating the importance of timing and recovery: “We have to see after the Australian Open, depending on the result, how he fares and how he feels.”

Chile is expected to choose clay both for strategic reasons and national identity. The country’s best results historically come on the surface, and their home ties often turn into emotionally charged battles. Players like Jarry and Garín have built significant portions of their careers on clay, reaching major quarter-finals and ATP titles on the red dust. Serbia, however, are far from inexperienced—many of their players regularly compete in the South American swing each February, often with success.

Troicki’s assessment reflects both respect and confidence. Serbia’s mix of experienced leaders and rising talents has shown resilience, even in difficult scenarios. Yet the captain remains realistic: winning away in Chile, in early-season conditions, is one of the hardest assignments in the Davis Cup calendar. The tie may ultimately hinge on whether Djokovic—still capable of dominating matches even at 38—chooses to make the trip.

Djokovic’s relationship with the Davis Cup has evolved over time, but his competitiveness in national colors has remained intact. His last appearances demonstrated the same determination he brings to Grand Slams, often lifting the entire team. Djokovic himself has repeatedly stated in recent years that his goals are centered on the Grand Slams and representing Serbia in competitions.

Should he join the squad in Chile, Serbia would instantly become one of the favorites not only for the tie but for the entire 2026 competition. Without him, leadership would again fall to Kecmanović and Medjedović, as it did successfully in Turkey. Troicki insists that Serbia will prepare with or without Djokovic, but acknowledges that the former world No. 1's presence would reshape expectations.