In 2008, India defeated Japan 3-2 in a Davis Cup World Group playoff on grass, the visiting team led by current world no. 6 Kie Nishikori. Perhaps aiming to repeat the magic, India have chosen the same surface against South Korea in their Asia-Oceania Group-I second round tie in Chandigarh from July 15 to 17.
Davis Cup non-playing captain Anand Amritraj on Friday asserted that playing on grass courts will be an “advantage” for the hosts and the team had a good chance of qualifying for the World Group play-off once again.
“After speaking with most of the players and the selection committee, we decided on the surface. I think playing on grass will be a definite advantage for us,” Amritraj told this paper from Los Angeles on Friday.
India missed out on another opportunity to enter the World Group following a 1-3 loss in the play-off against the Czech Republic in New Delhi in September last year.
“We have a very good chance to win the tie against Korea and once again qualify for the play-off. We did it in Korea two years ago and last year in New Zealand and that got us to the play-offs.
“But to win in the play-off, the team have to perform at the highest level and in each match, and that did not happen the last two years,” the captain said.
Amritraj expressed concern over Yuki Bhambri’s fitness, who is nursing an injured elbow. Being India’s top singles player, Yuki is an important cog in the team.
“I am quite worried about Yuki’s injury. But I did speak to him a couple of weeks ago and he assured me it was healing and that he would be ready by the end of May,” the 64-year-old, who was part of the Indian Davis Cup team that reached the finals in 1974 and 1987, said.
India have not named a team for the rubber yet but Anand said “the best combination” would be fielded against South Korea, who lead the head-to-head count 6-4.
“The team will assemble a week to 10 days early to prepare. According to the ATP rankings, Yuki and Saketh (Myneni) are the two highest ranking Indians. The strongest player on our team will be the one who produces his best on the day of the match,” he added.
Asked about strategy against the Koreans, the stylish captain said, “I will save my strategy for the day of the draw and play my best hand for the sake of the team and the country.”
