"We are counting on Novak in Norway" – Viktor Troicki on Novak Djokovic's chances of playing against Norway

Novak Djokovic will once again face Casper Ruud to earn Serbia a spot in the Davis Cup Tournament in 2023. Norway will likely host the replay of the ATP Finals during the first week of February.

The match is set to be played immediately after the 2023 Australian Open, and Djokovic's finish in Melbourne may have consequences for this clash. Primarily due to weather conditions - traveling from warm weather in Australia to icy weather in Norway can greatly affect players.

Djokovic is competing for his tenth title at the Rod Laver Arena. He is 11 years older than Ruud, which can have a substantial effect on the match in light of the extreme changes in the playing conditions. It may be more difficult for the Serbian to adapt to changes quickly as opposed to his Norwegian counterpart.

Viktor Troicki believes that Serbia have been put up against the most formidable team, but only because of Casper Ruud. Although Troicki, who is past 35 himself, is expected to play in this match, he argued that the timing is unfavorable due to the Australian Open.

"We got one of the toughest possible opponents, but only because of Casper. The other Norwegian players are not so famous names. As always, everything depends on us, in what composition we will play, whether everyone will be ready. We are counting on Novak, but the schedule is inconvenient because of the Australian Open," Troicki said.

As per the new format, the Davis Cup is set to be played in two days. The tournament includes two singles matches on the first day, and two more singles matches plus a doubles match on the second day.

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"If he hadn't been allowed into the Australian Open, the history of our game would have been curtailed" – Mats Wilander on Novak Djokovic

Djokovic is aiming for his tenth title at the Rod Laver Arena

Mats Wilander enthusiastically welcomed 'Djoker's return to the Australian Open and outlined why it is an important moment in tennis history.

Given the rivalry between the Big 3 [Djokovic, Nadal, Federer], the Serbian's comeback has great significance. Djokovic's Grand Slam total would have been irrelevant in the GOAT debate, according to the Swedish tennis icon, if he had missed any more major tournaments.

Notably, the Serb had missed the previous edition of the Australian Open due to being unvaccinated against Covid-19.

As per Wilander, the Serb's capacity to participate in all four Grand Slam tournaments will "revive" the rivalry between the Big 3.

"Most would like to know who we can call the number one of all time. The place that we get as a professional sport in the media will, I believe, be given by the return of this race or its revival massively upgraded. If he hadn't been allowed into the Australian Open now, the history of our game would have been curtailed in a way," Mats Wilander said in an interview with Eurosport.