Chileans Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Massu admit they are finding it hard to focus on the Davis Cup tie with Israel.

The country has been devastated by an earthquake recently.

Both players, however, believe the event can provide a welcome distraction and "morale boost" in such troubled times.

More than 700 people were killed by the most powerful earthquake to hit Chile in 50 years and around 1.5million citizens were affected by the tremors, with the epicentre being 70 miles from the second city, Concepcion.

Ahead of the World Group first-round visit of Israel to Coquimbo - which has been put back by one day and will start on Saturday - Chile's top two stars are in philosophical mood.

"I am saddened for what we are living as a country, but I am hopeful because we are a supportive, strong country," Gonzalez said.

"I am fully aware of what happened in Concepcion, in Talca, and I am sending a message of hope: what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Even Roger Federer messaged me, very worried. We are all very sensitive about this.

"We will play to try to win to create some happiness for our country, for our people, in these difficult times".

Massu admits it is hard to concentrate on tennis.

"It is hard to put yourself in place of the people who have lost relatives, or are having a rough time, but I think Chile is a wonderful country," he told daviscup.com.

"When natural disasters strike, Chileans always lend a hand to your fellow man in trouble.

"It does not seem easy to focus on the match, but at the same time we will do our part to give our country a morale boost by winning this tie."

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will spearhead Serbia as they clash with the United States on home turf in Belgrade.

The Serbs face an American singles line-up of Sam Querrey and John Isner with no Andy Roddick or James Blake but Djokovic warns against complacency.

"This is going to be a very important match," said the world number two.

"The Americans have the most success in Davis Cup and even though they have come here without their strongest players, it is still going to be a very strong team, but with the support of the audience we can get to the quarter-finals which would be a great success for our national team."

This weekend's other World Group ties see Spain hosting Switzerland, Germany heading to France, Russia and India clashing in Moscow, Sweden welcoming Argentina and Ecuador visiting Croatia while Belgium are at home to the Czech Republic.