Tomas Berdych believes the presence of Novak Djokovic in Serbia side means the hosts are rightly regarded as favourites in Davis Cup final in Belgrade this weekend.
The Czechs are viewed as slight underdogs going into the showdown, despite impressive wins over Switzerland, Kazakhstan and Argentina en route to the final.
Berdych is the main man for his country but he knows he will have to be at the top of the game to get the better of world number two Djokovic, who has just lifted the ATP World Tour Finals title.
Serbia are without Viktor Troicki, while Janko Tipsarevic is a major doubt as he continues to be hampered by a heel injury, so doubles specialist Nenand Zimonjic may have to take part in a singles match for the first time since 2008.
However, despite those concerns, Berdych knows his side are still going to be up against it with Serbia also likely to be boosted by having home advantage in the final.
He said: “They are playing at home, and Novak is on the team. That is enough for their advantage.”
Berdych – the world number seven – says, despite a tough year, he is ready for one last challenge and will hope to lead his country to Davis Cup glory.
He added: “It’s the end of the season, and I may not be as physically fit as when it started, but I’m ready to play all three matches.”
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