New Delhi: India will play South Korea in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 round of the Davis Cup from Feb. 1st to 3rd, 2013 in New Delhi. Ace Indian tennis player Leander Paes ahead of the clash said that after many years the Indian team will enter into a Davis Cup tie where they are the underdogs and it takes all the pressure away.
Paes said, “It is a tough tie. Koreans have always been a tough team to beat whether we play them in India or in Korea. Koreans are a tough group. They are resilient, both physically and mentally and we will have to put our best foot forward.”
Apart from Paes, the other three members will be making their debut in the Davis Cup. VM Ranjeet, Vijayant Malik and Purav Raja will be representing India for the first time. But Paes is not bothered with the in-experienced line-up.
“We have got three new boys and I am enjoying that. They have the passion to play for the country. I am respectful and proud of the people selected to play alongside me,” Paes said.
About the controversy surrounding Indian tennis resulting in some big players sitting out, Paes said, “I don’t believe that rebelling is the right way. There should be some open conversation. I love to play for my flag and my people. The most important thing that we are missing is that the game is bigger than all of us. At the end of the day the sport is utmost important.
“The essence should not be lost. The country and the game should not suffer, the sport should not lose out. But the country is suffering in the present scenario,” said Paes.
Meanwhile, Indian team captain SP Misra said that winning is the prime criteria. He accepted the fact that the home team will be the underdogs going into the tournament but said that stranger things have happened in Davis Cup.
Purav Raja, who will partner Paes in the doubles match, said, “This will be the first time when I will be representing my country and I am very excited. I am looking forward to playing with Leander and the feeling is unbelievable.”
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News Network
