Novak Djokovic will miss Serbia’s Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against India in Bangalore next weekend, the Balkan nation’s coach Bogdan Obradovic said.

“Djokovic will definitely not join us in India and his fatigue is the biggest reason,” Obradovic told reporters yesterday.

“He’s had a demanding season and needs a respite, while travelling to India across many time zones from New York and playing in hot and humid conditions in Bangalore would be a massive exertion.

“Novak will be cheering for us from the bottom of his heart.”

A depleted Serbia, the 2010 winners, face the prospect of being eliminated from the World Group for the first time since they broke into the top tier in 2007.

Their sharp decline started after reaching last year’s final and against India they will again have to rely on a second-string team, with 24-year-old Dusan Lajovic their best-ranked singles player in the world at number 61.

The Serbians will also be without Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki, with world no.107 Filip Krajinovic, no.171 Ilija Bozoljac and doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic in the squad for the September 12-14 tie.

Djokovic suffered a shock defeat by Kei Nishikori in the US Open semi-finals on Saturday. Favourite Roger Federer was also eliminated in the last four stage.

Nishikori was playing Marin Cilic in the final last night.