BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic will play the opening match against Aleksandr Nedovyesov on Friday when Serbia takes on Kazakhstan in the first round of the Davis Cup.

Djokovic's participation is a boost for the host team after he pulled out of the quarterfinals at the Dubai Championships last week with an inflammatory infection in both eyes.

"I have known Nedovyesov from his junior days," Djokovic said. "I have seen him play several times, but I am cautious because surprises are possible in such matches."

Djokovic led Serbia to its only Davis Cup title in 2010, but he's not looking past Kazakhstan.

"We must first overcome this obstacle," the top-ranked Serb said. "The most important thing is to be prepared, start the match with high intensity and use the audience support, which can be crucial."

Viktor Troicki will follow in the second singles match against Mikhail Kukushkin, while Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic are slated to play in Saturday's doubles against Andrey Golubev and Nedovyesov.

"We have played many times and I know what to expect," Troicki said of Kukushkin. "I expect the match to be hard, but I will do my best."

The matches will be played on indoor hard court at Belgrade's Aleksandar Nikolic hall.