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World No.1 Novak Djokovic will decide soon on whether he plays in the 2022 Australian Open.Credit:Getty Images

Should Djokovic miss the January 17-30 event he has won a record nine times,he will pass up an opportunity to top the men’s all-time list of major winners as he is tied on 20 grand slams each with peers Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic looked grim-faced after his valiant effort to propel 2010 champions Serbia into the Davis Cup final fell short against traditional rivals and twice former winners Croatia,who won the decisive doubles to claim a 2-1 overall victory.

Djokovic hauled Serbia into the tie with a straight-sets win over Marin Cilic after Croatia’s Borna Gojo overpowered Dusan Lajovic,but Djokovic and Filip Krajinovic could not stop world No.1s Mate Pavic and Nikola Mektic in the crunch rubber.

“We always knew this was going to be the toughest match of the tie,” said Djokovic. “In order to win the Davis Cup[again],we need to have more doubles players,we need a doubles team.

“These guys are the best in the world. They always know exactly where the ball is going to land and if you don’t hit a perfect shot,you’re in trouble.”

Croatia will clash in Sunday’s showpiece with Germany or the Russian Tennis Federation,who meet in the other semi-final on Saturday.

Reuters