Tennis: Djokovic up first for Serbia in Spain clash

BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic will come up against Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the opening singles rubber of the Davis Cup quarter-final between Serbia and Spain on Friday in Belgrade.

The world number two is making his return from an elbow injury and is looking for a boost after a poor start to the season.

Spain are without Rafa Nadal, who opted to miss a tie to be played on hardcourt in favour of focusing on his preparations for the start of the clay-court season.

Viktor Troicki and Pablo Carreno-Busta will clash in the other singles rubber on Friday.

The winners of this tie will go through to a semi-final against either France or Great Britain.

Draw

Friday (from 1100 GMT)

Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)

Viktor Troicki (SRB) v Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP)

Saturday (from 1200 GMT)

Nenad Zimonjic/Viktor Troicki (SRB) v Marc Lopez/Jaume Munar (ESP)

Sunday (from 1100 GMT)

Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Pablo Carreno-Busta (ESP)

Viktor Troicki (SRB) v Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)