Serbia made light of world number one Novak Djokovic’s absence by winning both the opening singles against hosts India in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie in Bangalore on Friday.
Dusan Lajovic, a 24-year-old ranked 61st in the world, breezed past Yuki Bhambri 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in two hours in the first match in front of some 2,500 Indian fans.
Filip Krajinovic completed a dominant day for Serbia with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over India’s top player Somdev Devvarman in the second singles.
In the doubles on Saturday, India’s 41-year-old veteran Leander Paes will partner Rohan Bopanna against Ninad Zimonjic and Ilija Bozoljac.
Djokovic pulled out of the weekend’s action citing fatigue and family reasons after being stunned by Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the US Open semi-final last week.
Serbia were relegated to the play-offs for the first time since 2007 when, playing without Djokovic, they lost to Roger Federer’s Switzerland in the World Group first round in February.
The 2010 champions are also without the injured duo of Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki for the India tie.
India are hoping to return to the elite 16-nation World Group after spending two years in the zonal competition.