MOSCOW — Novak Djokovic returned from illness to help reduce Russia's lead over Serbia to 2-1 today in the first-round series of the Davis Cup World Group.

The Australian Open champion teamed with Nenad Zimonjic to defeat Mikhail Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov 6-3, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) in doubles.

Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev turned to Tursunov because Marat Safin has an injured calf.

Russia, helped by the withdrawal of Serbia's top two players because of flu symptoms on Friday, took a 2-0 lead. Youzhny defeated Zimonjic and Nikolay Davydenko struggled past Davis Cup rookie Viktor Troicki.

Djokovic is expected to play Davydenko in the first reverse singles Sunday, followed by Youzhny against Troicki.

The winner will play Belgium or the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals in April.