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Aussies are favourites: Krishnan
Admitting that Australia would be the "overwhelming favourites" for this month's Davis Cup relegation tie against India, non-playing captain Ramesh Krishnan tod
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 08:28 AM IST
Read Time: 2 min
Chennai:
Admitting that Australia would be the "overwhelming favourites" for this month's Davis Cup relegation tie against India, non-playing captain Ramesh Krishnan today said his side would have to prepare well to emerge victorious.
Krishnan said though Australia, having the likes of world number one Lleyton Hewitt in their ranks, would be a tough side to beat in the singles matches, India had a better chance of winning at least the doubles.
"All along, the doubles has been our chance. With Mahesh (Bhupathi) unfit to play, it gives a new twist. We also have to look at (Leander) Paes against their second player, given his track record in Davis Cup," he said.
Now that Mark Philippousis is ruled out after sustaining an injury during a first round match at the US Open, Krishnan said India fancied their chances as the "underdogs".
"With Hewitt and Phil, we would have had to concede four singles. But we should not dwell on their misfortune. Ita€™s a bit of an advantage to be an underdog. There is no pressure on you and you can perform freely".
Asked if the services of Bhupathi, who won the US doubles crown along with Max Mirnyi of Belarus, would be sought, he said All India Tennis Association had also asked the player to be in Adelaide, where India would play their world group qualifying match against Australia from September 20 to 22.
"Why decide so early? Hopefully his shoulder will heal. Even with minimum preparation he can strike a win for us with Leander," he said.
The former Indian Davis Cup star rated Bhupathi, who has won the doubles title in every Grand Slam except the Australian Open, as one of the world's best in the business.
On rookies Harsh Mankad, Sunil Kumar Sipaeya and Rohan Bopanna selected in the Davis Cup team, he said the youngsters were chosen for their performances in recent tournaments.
These players had the potential of performing in the international arena, he added. (PTI)
Topics mentioned in this article
Tennis
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