Stefanos Tsitsipas has announced that he will not be able to support the Greek national team in their matches against Serbia for World Group I due to an injury, and therefore, he will not travel to Belgrade with the rest of the Greek delegation.
Without its star player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece will face Serbia at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade on September 14 and 15 for the World Group I matches in the Davis Cup.
Although he was included in the initial lineup announced this morning, Stefanos informed the federation that he will not be able to compete in Belgrade due to back discomfort.
Stefanos has been a consistent competitor for Greece in the Davis Cup in recent years, contributing significantly to the team's achievement in reaching this high level, facing Serbia in World Group I. He expressed his sadness over this development, pledging to compete in the next national team obligation.
Stefanos Tsitsipas's announcement:
"The voice of my heart advised me to support the national team once more. However, the voice of my body, in a compelling manner, forbids me to compete in the encounter against Serbia for the Davis Cup.
The back injury I sustained from my participation in the US Open forces me to adhere to a specific rehabilitation program to return to the courts as soon as possible.
With great regret, I announce my decision not to compete next week in Belgrade. I cherish the moments we experienced last February in Ano Liosia. Backed by the Greek fans in the stands, we defeated Romania and celebrated a great success in World Group I of the Davis Cup. I wish our national team all the best in the tough encounter with Serbia. From my side, I will do my utmost to be able to compete in the next national team obligation, wearing the national emblem once again."
Following this development, Greece will be represented in Belgrade by Aristotelis Thanos (No.718), Giannis Xylas (No.783), Dimitris Azouidis, and Petros Tsitsipas (No.73 doubles). This will be Azouidis' debut with the men's national team. The team captain of the Greek delegation is Dimitris Hatzinikolaou.
As for Serbia, they will be very strong at home, consisting of Novak Djokovic (No.2), Miomir Kecmanovic (No.54), Dusan Lajovic (No.66), and Hamad Medjedovic (No.137). Serbia's captain is Viktor Troicki.
Obviously, Tsitsipas's absence completely changes the dynamics of the tie, which would have been very difficult for our team anyway. The Greek players should aim to enjoy and make the most of this unique experience, as they have nothing to lose by playing.