PTI
New Delhi, Sept 15: The Indian Davis Cup team are set for a battle of gigantic proportions as they take on five-time champions Spain, who have packed the side with world class performers headlined by the legendary Rafael Nadal in their desperation to reclaim a spot in the elite World Group.
The World Group play-off tie which starts here Friday seems a classic David versus Goliath contest in which the Spaniards are not expected to be pushed much.
The tie, however, is a great opportunity for India’s singles players Saketh Myneni (4 matches in Davis Cup) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (1 match) to not only test themselves against the best but also learn from them.
Indeed with a team having Rafa Nadal (World No.4), David Fererer (No.13), and French Open champions Feliciano Lopez (No. 26) and Marc Lopez (No. 15 in doubles), the Spaniards look strong favourites against the hosts. It would be great if India can even win a set in the entire tie.
Nadal has been pivotal in Spain’s four (2004, 2008, 2009 2011) of the five Davis Cup title wins and Ferrer too has played a significant role in three of those title triumphs (2008, 2009, 2011).
Together, all four Spanish players – Nadal (16), Ferrer (18), Feliciano (22) and Marc (9) – have an experience of 65 Davis Cup ties between them.
It will be baptism by fire for Sumit Nagal, if he gets a game, and India will look to Leander Paes, a veteran of 53 ties, to shepherd the inexperienced players.
While playing against such world class players, nobody will question the defeat but the manner in which the Indian players will fight it out will surely be watched.
“In Davis Cup strange things do happen and this is a situation where we have nothing to lose,” stated Paes here Thursday during a short interaction with the reporters. “This is what will motivate us to throw everything at them.” The question however will be whether that ‘everything’ will be enough.
The 28-year-old Myneni is coming to the tie after a good US Open where he qualified for the main draw and almost won his first round tie against Jiri Vesely. He possesses a solid serve and decent ground-strokes even though his fitness remains a huge concern.
Ramkumar had promised a lot initially but has not been able to fulfil it. His trademark inside-out forehand is one of the best in the country but he needs to put together all aspects of the game to emerge a winner.
Paes is likely to play with Myneni in men’s doubles after the sudden pullout of Rohan Bopanna. A win here will help him equal the all-time record of 42 doubles victories achieved by Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli.
