Djokovic to miss Davis Cup tie against Sweden

Belgrade: Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic will not play in Serbia's Davis Cup tie against Sweden this month.

Serbia captain Bogdan Obradovic said he decided to let the top-ranked Djokovic rest after he beat Rafael Nadal in a gruelling five-set final in Melbourne.

Obradovic told The Associated Press that "we want to spare Djokovic to help him remain the world's No 1 player and win gold at the Olympic Games in London."

Obradovic says "I had difficultly to persuade Djokovic not to play against Sweden, but think we can beat them even without him."

Serbia beat Sweden 4-1 in an away match last season.

Bogdanovic said the ninth-ranked Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki will lead Serbia in the February 10-12 match in the Serbian city of Nis.