Davis Cup: Croatia set for tough Serbia challenge

Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic has acknowledged that Serbia—led by No. 2-ranked Novak Djokovic—will be the favorite in their Davis Cup quarterfinal this week.

But Ljubicic added Monday that “it wouldn’t be the first time that favorites don’t win.”

Coach Goran Prpic says Serbia is a “tough opponent,” but that Croatia “is ready for that challenge.”

Balkan neighbors and rivals Croatia and Serbia will play their tie on July 9-11 in Split, Croatia.

Ljubicic joined the team after Mario Ancic and Ivo Karlovic dropped out because of injuries.

Besides Djokovic, who reached semifinals at Wimbledon, Serbia counts on Nenad Zimonjic, top world player in doubles.