Bhambri looks to extend good run in Davis Cup

New Delhi: Having racked up a series of strong performances since returning from a six-month injury lay-off, Yuki Bhambri will look to continue his good run when India take on hosts Canada in a Davis Cup World Group play-off tie in Edmonton, Canada, on Friday.

The Delhi boy, who has twice broken into the top 100 of the ATP singles rankings, came up with a strong run at the Citi Open, beating world no. 22 Gael Monfils recently. He followed it up with a win over former world no. 39 Guido Pell, before losing to US Open finalist and former no. 10 Kevin Anderson.

“I think I have been fairly consistent with my performances after coming back from injury. Felt good to be playing the Slams again. Hoping to finish the year with some good performances,” Bhambri told this paper from New York, where the India team are training under Mahesh Bhupathi.

The 25-year-old is all set to return to the Davis Cup fold after missing the second round tie against Uzbe-kistan in April. The team began preparations a week ago in New York and will continue in Edmonton now.

“I am always excited about Davis Cup and specially when you have a shot at the World Group. My strategy for the tie is pretty simple… try and win my matches,” the former Australian Open boys champion said.

India take on Canada minus Milos Raonic — bolstered, however, by world no. 51 Denis Shapovalov — in their fourth World Group play-off tie in as many years. “I think we always expected Shapovalov to be playing. It is a World Group playoff so nothing is going to be easy and we don’t expect it to be easy.”

Asked about playing for the first time under Bhupathi’s tutelage, the 25-year-old said, “A coach can help improve or point things which sometimes can make a difference so hopefully will be able to apply and learn from his experience.”

With three singles players and one specialist for doubles (Rohan Bopanna in this case), veteran Leander Paes has been overlooked.

“Every team has to bank on singles because there are four singles matches and one doubles. So you have to win at least two singles to be able to win the tie and that has always been the case.”