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Serbia's Novak Djokovic said he was looking forward to an emotional clash with countryman Janko Tipsarevic in the second round of the inaugural Serbia Open on Wednesday.

Djokovic is odds-on favorurite to win the tournament organised and co-sponsored by his family. His uncle Goran is the director.

But he expects a stern challenge from world number 63 and close friend Tipsarevic, who beat Argentine Sergio Roitman 7-5 6-2 on Tuesday to set up the clash.

"A match-up between Tipsarevic and myself should have all the makings of a spectacular clash bound to draw a capacity crowd and it will be a real bonus for the tournament," Djokovic said.

"Red clay is his preferred surface and he will be an awkward opponent because he has improved dramatically in the last 18 months, I expect a very tough challenge.

"The fact that we are both from Belgrade and close friends makes it even more difficult, but our friendship ends once we set foot on the court because out there we are rivals."

In their only previous meeting, Djokovic came from a set down to beat the flamboyant Tipsarevic at last year's Queen's Club tournament in London.

"The fact that I am the tournament favourite puts additional pressure because everybody expects me to win and there are a number of very good players who have nothing to lose," the world number three said.

"That's what makes my rivals very dangerous but handling pressure is what being a top player is all about, because I have to focus on the task ahead and play my best tennis all the time.

"As a kid, I always dreamed about playing in front of many fans in my hometown and that dream has now become reality.

"The most important though is that the tournament, organised by my family with the aid of so many dedicated people who invested so much energy into this project, becomes even bigger in the years ahead."

Djokovic, aiming to win his second grand slam title at this year's French Open, believes he can defy the odds to dethrone reigning champion and world number one Rafael Nadal.

The 21-year old lost successive finals to the Spaniard in Monte Carlo and Rome but was not unhappy with his performances.

"I've never beaten him on clay but I think that I came really close in our last two meetings, closer than in any of our previous matches on this surface.

"Nadal is so physically and mentally superior on the court that he can sense his rivals' slightest weakness and that's what makes him so difficult to beat."

Reuters