Nature of grass courts hold the key: Wilander

New Delhi:

Swedish captain Mats Wilander said the nature of the new grasscourts at the R K Khanna stadium would play a key role in the upcoming Davis Cup World Group play-off against India in New Delhi next week. Wilander, an eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion and world number one of the 1980s, said while the doubles rubber would be crucial, the singles matches would be dictated by the quality of the surface. "Singles would depend on how good the courts are. It is really difficult to make a good grass court for one week. Even Wimbledon will not be able to do that. It is going to dictate the style of play," Wilander said. "(Thomas) Johansson (Sweden's number one singles player) does not serve and volley. At Wimbledon, he was playing mostly from the baseline," the visiting captain added. The Sep 23-25 tie will be played on the courts that were relaid after the first round clash against China in March. The Swedes, who have a 4-0 record against the hosts, were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by heavy rains that have lashed the city for the past four days. (PTI)