National pride provides fuel for Djokovic and Nadal

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National pride provides fuel for Djokovic and Nadal

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Jokovic won three of the year's four majors in a stupendous season that has gone off the scale.

15 September,2011 11:01 am

With precious little time to rest after their brutal US Open final, world number one Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal will be energized by national pride this weekend as they lead their countries into battle in the Davis Cup semi-finals.Djokovic, winner of three of the years four majors in a stupendous season that has gone off the scale, will enjoy a deafening reception in the cavernous Belgrade Arena where Serbia host Argentina.In a Cordoba bull ring, Nadal will have the perfect stage to vent the frustration of his defeat by Djokovic in New York, as Spain host last years runners-up France seeking to banish the memory of a 5-0 thrashing last year.Neutrals and probably the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will already be eagerly anticipating a potential Djokovic v Nadal showdown in the final but the wily Argentines and flamboyant French will be no pushovers.We are all very optimistic ahead of the tie, we know that we will be up against a very strong team but well do our best and the support of our 20,000 fans in the arena can make a big difference, Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic said this week, when confirming Djokovic will play.The energy coming from Novak rubs on to the team and it is the best form of motivation.Twelve months ago after losing to Nadal in the US Open final Djokovic could hardly have imagined what was going to happen to him in 2011.Playing like a man possessed he has amassed a 64-2 record, surging clear at the top of the rankings and on current form, looks almost unbeatable.The 24-year-old, who owns a chain of restaurants in the Serbian capital, one of which is just across the street from the Belgrade Arena where Serbia have never lost a Davis Cup tie, said the spark for his explosive improvement was last years thrilling final against France.