Lithuanian team strategist Laurynas Grigelis invited the national team leaders Vilius Gaubas (ATP-121) and Edas Butvilas (ATP-195) to the team, as well as Pijus Vaitiekūnas (ATP-1699), who has already represented the team once, and newcomer Justas Trainauskas (ATP-1689).
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Serbian team captain Viktor Troicki will not have the best tennis player of all time, Novak Djokovic, in the team this time. Miomir Kecmanović (ATP-64), Hamad Medjedović (ATP-79), Ognjen Milić (ATP-345), Branko Đurić (ATP-615), and Stefan Latinović (doubles ATP-103) will represent Serbia in Niš.
L. Grigelis says that the absence of N. Djokovic in the opponents’ team increases the Lithuanians’ chances in Niš.
“I see two sides of the coin. Of course, it would be invaluable experience for the men to play against one of the best, or perhaps the best tennis player of all time. On the other hand, when Djokovic is not in the team, the Serbs’ advantage over us is no longer so obvious, and our chances of creating another Lithuanian tennis miracle are growing. Of course, we must not forget that Serbia, even without Djokovic, in my opinion, is the second strongest team after Argentina that Lithuania has had to play against. And they also have the home court advantage,” says L. Grigelis.
A debutant in the Lithuanian team
Justas Trainauskas will make his debut in the Lithuanian team in the Davis Cup competition. Having completed his studies in the USA and played university tennis, the Lithuanian is now pursuing a professional tennis career.
“Justas is tall, physically strong, and has a good serve. He plays a lot, so he will definitely be useful in training, and perhaps even in the doubles match. Justas often plays together with Pijus Vaitiekūnas, so I think he will have no trouble fitting into the team,” says the Lithuanian team captain.
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The role of team leaders in Niš will traditionally go to V. Gaubas and E. Butvilas. According to L. Grigelis, the current form of both players ahead of the important national team clash is optimistic.
“I am satisfied with Vilius’s and Edas’s form. It’s a pity that Vilius did not manage to enter the main draw of the US Open; the loss in the last qualifying round was very painful. But there will be more such losses. The most important thing is what you take from them and what lessons you learn; such situations temper and shape character. I am glad that Vilius is already playing on the big tennis stage. Edas’s game has recently become more stable, and his form is clearly improving after a slump in the middle of the season. Now the most important thing is that everyone arrives in Niš healthy and in good spirits,” says L. Grigelis.
The first Lithuania-Serbia clash
The first Davis Cup World Group match Serbia-Lithuania will take place on September 19-20. The teams will compete in the “Čair” arena, which holds more than 4,000 spectators. This will be the first encounter between these countries in the Davis Cup tournament.
On the first day, two singles matches will be played, and on the second day, doubles and two more singles matches.
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