The victory against Korea in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie has been attributed to India’s Expertise of playing on the grass court. “Had it not been for grass, we may not have been 2-0 up on the opening day,” contends India’s nonplaying captain Anand Amritraj.
Members of the Indian Team break into a jig after defeating Korea 4-1 in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie in Chandigarh.
It was a welcome return to the grass courts for India in the Davis Cup. However, considering the manner in which India perspired to defeat a depleted Korea team, and that too on its favourite surface, raises the question whether this team is capable of marching into the World Group.
Yet, there is no doubt that the Indian team is improving. The fact that it handled the tricky challenge against Korea — which has won six of the 11 ties played between the two countries — without the services of Yuki Bhambri and Somdev Devvarman provided a fair hint of this.
Both Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan played ‘live’ singles rubbers on the opening day for the first time in their careers.
Saketh, 28, sought by Rohan Bopanna to partner him in the men’s doubles at the Rio Olympics, had been troubled by shoulder and foot injuries in recent weeks. He did manage to make it to both the French Open and Wimbledon qualifying events, but lacked match exposure.
Saketh Myneni of India whips in a forehand against Yong-Kyu Lim of Korea in the second singles. Myneni won the rubber to put India 2-0 up at the end of the first day.
It was on his suggestion that captain Anand Amritraj requested for grass courts for the Davis Cup, and it ensured that the Koreans were taken out of their comfort zone.
“Had it not been for grass, we may not have been 2-0 up on the opening day,” said Anand.
The captain pointed out that under his leadership, and that of the earlier captain, S. P. Misra, India had not played on grass.
Bu hikaye Sportstar dergisinin July 30, 2016 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Sportstar dergisinin July 30, 2016 sayısından alınmıştır.
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