Djokovic distracted by Davis Cup final

Published Nov. 19, 2010 8:31 p.m. EST

foxsports

Novak Djokovic is trying his best to keep his mind on the upcoming ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The No. 3-ranked Serb is preparing for his fourth straight appearance at the eight-man tournament beginning Sunday, but is finding himself distracted by another upcoming task.

In two weeks, Djokovic will lead his country in its first ever appearance in the Davis Cup final in front of a sellout home crowd in Belgrade.

''Honestly my biggest goal is to win the Davis Cup,'' Djokovic said Friday. ''I have had opportunities to be part of this event before and hopefully in the future I will be a part of it again, but the Davis Cup final at home, maybe it's only one time.

''Who knows if we're going to have this opportunity again? That's why I'm very excited about it emotionally and very motivated. But I still need to try to do my best here and then think about Belgrade.''

Serbia has beaten USA, Croatia and Czech Republic to earn a final against nine-time Davis Cup champion France.

Djokovic has led the way by winning all five of the singles matches he has played, and will once again be under pressure to deliver two wins in the final beginning Dec. 3.

The 23-year-old right-hander has struggled with allergies and breathing problems in several matches this year, but said he is not worried about his health despite a busy schedule.

''You have to readjust, to prepare yourself for an exhausting two weeks,'' he said. ''Any match you play at the World Tour Finals, you have to put a big effort in to win. Then the Davis Cup is a unique competition which takes mentally more out of you than any individual tournament.

''But I'm looking forward because I have qualified here for the fourth time. Just being part of this tournament is a great success for me. Any match I win here is going to be satisfying.''

Djokovic begins his campaign against Tomas Berdych on Monday. Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick make up the rest of Group A.

in this topic