Novak will team up with Ana Ivanovic to represent Serbia at the 2013 Hyundai Hopman Cup, a traditional warm-up competition leading into the Australian Open.
The world no.2 will be making his fourth appearance at the international mixed team event, to be staged at the new Perth Arena from December 29, 2012 to January 5, 2013.
“I love the competition there,” Novak said. “I love the atmosphere. Lots of great players take part so it’s great preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year. I’ve reached the finals on two previous occasions so I sincerely hope that this time, with Ana, we can actually win a trophy.”
Serbia’s powerful combination have been handed top seeding.
They will play in Group A with Italy, Australia and Germany.
31.12.2012. Serbia – Italy (at 10.00 local time / 03.00 CET )
02.01.2012. Serbia – Australia (at 17.45 local time / 10.45 CET)
04.01.2012. Serbia – Germany (at 17.45 local time / 10.45 CET)
Nole teamed with Ana Ivanovic in 2006 (second in group, behind USA ) and 2011 (finished top of the group, secured finals, but were replaced by Belgium due to Ana’s injury), and in pair with Jelena Jankovic, in 2008, he reached the finals (lost to USA 1-2).
GROUP A
SERBIA (1): Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic
ITALY (3): Andreas Seppi, Francesca Schiavone
GERMANY (5): Tommy Haas, Andrea Petkovic
AUSTRALIA (8): Bernard Tomic, Casey Dellacqua
GROUP B
USA (2): John Isner, Venus Williams
SPAIN (4): Fernando Verdasco, Anabel Medina Garrigues
SOUTH AFRICA (6): Kevin Anderson, Chanelle Scheepers
FRANCE (7): Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Mathilde Johansson
Group A and Group B winners will meet in the finals on January 5, at 17.45 local time (10.45 CET).
