Djokovic blasts 'dangerous' Davis Cup surface

CHARLEROI, Belgium (AFP) –

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return during a training session ahead of the Davis Cup tennis match between Belgium and Serbia on January 31, 2013 in Charleroi. Djokovic blasted the clay court being used for Serbia’s Davis Cup clash against Belgium as “dangerous” on Thursday.

World number one and Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic blasted the clay court being used for Serbia’s Davis Cup clash against Belgium as “dangerous” on Thursday.

A red clay court has been installed at Charleroi’s Spiroudome de Charleroi for the World Group first round clash, but the 2010 Davis Cup champions Serbia have already complained about the surface.

“Being extra careful here. The conditions are quite dangerous 4 all players. I know organisers did their best, but still….#worried,” tweeted Djokovic.

Earlier, Serbian captain Bojan Obradovic said he had pleaded with the local organisers as well as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to improve the court.

“It’s a very tough situation. We are trying to help the people and the ITF to get the court better. I’m discussing it with them,” Obradovic told www.daviscup.com.

Djokovic has had little time to enjoy capturing a fourth Australian title in Melbourne last Sunday which gave him a sixth career major.

As soon as the trophy celebrations were complete, he rushed to the airport for a 3am flight back to Europe.

Having spent some brief time at home in Monte Carlo, Djokovic arrived in Belgium on Wednesday and headed straight to the Spiroudome de Charleroi to adjust to the clay courts.

Djokovic will play the second singles on Friday against Olivier Rochus after teammate Victor Troicki faces David Goffin in the opener.

“It’s been a long few weeks in Melbourne and exhausting but still very successful,” said Djokovic, who missed the entire 2012 Davis Cup season having been instrumental in their maiden 2010 title success.

“Right now I am turning my attention to Davis Cup and I am glad I am part of this team again. I have missed that feeling to be honest and hopefully we can have a successful team.”

Friday (1300GMT)

David Goffin (BEL) v Viktor Troicki (SRB))

Olivier Rochus (BEL) v Novak Djokovic (SRB)

Saturday (1300GMT)

Steve Darcis/Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) v Viktor Troicki/Nenad Zimonjic (SRB)

Sunday (1300GMT)

David Goffin (BEL) v Novak Djokovic (SRB)

Olivier Rochus (BEL) v Viktor Troicki (SRB)