Novak Djokovic is highly ‘motivated’ for Serbia’s Davis Cup quarter-final clash with Great Britain… but world No 1 is braced for a ‘very difficult’ tie against Andy Murray and Co

Novak Djokovic has stated that not only will he play Great Britain in the Davis Cup quarter-finals next month, but that this will be his priority for his end of the season.

The world number 1 has put the current events in Asia behind him and plans to reach his peak before the finals week, which takes place in Malaga at the end of November.

The first hurdle in the last eight is Leon Smith’s GB team. Djokovic expects it to be very tight and that Great Britain will have an advantage in the third and possibly decisive doubles rubber, if it comes to that.

“It will be very difficult and tense,” the 36-year-old said Serbia Sportal. “When (Dan) Evans plays, he’s a very difficult player for everyone. But I believe in our boys.

‘We also have a lot of choices, maybe not for doubles, but for singles. The motivation is there with me, just like with all the other boys on the national team.’

Djokovic (right) will lead Serbia in the Davis Cup quarter-final against a tough Great Britain side

Djokovic will return to action later this month at the Paris Masters and then play the end-of-season ATP Finals in Turin before heading to Malaga.

‘The cult of the national team must exist among the younger generation and they simply feel the honor and privilege when they play for their country. It’s the way I grew up and what we’ve cultivated over the past generation.”

Djokovic also briefly addressed Rafael Nadal’s recent comments that the Serb was more desperate to end his career with a greater number of major titles than him.

“I don’t intend to speak about him or Roger Federer in a negative light,” Djokovic said. “My respect for them replaces some negative opinions I have. Again, that’s Rafa’s opinion and I obviously don’t agree with it. I have my opinion, but I won’t share it because I don’t want us to go into it in depth.’