Bitter-sweet feeling for Indian tennis fans: Bhupathi hopes Djokovic doesn't come to India!
India’s Mahesh Bhupathi plays a shot during a mixed doubles match
Indian tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi has confirmed that he will line up against Serbia in the Davis Cup World Group play-off match at home.
The 39-year-old said that the doubles match-up will be crucial when the two nations meet at the end of the year.
Bhupathi was spotted at a promotional event in Mumbai which was organised under leading racquet manufacturer Wilson.
“I am always available. I know the captain’s (Anand Amritraj) talked about the same just like coach (Zeeshan Ali) has. I think it is important because the doubles will be pivotal in that match, so let’s see how things pan out,” he said.
India qualified for the play offs after a memorable victory against South Korea, setting up an encounter with the Serbs which has led to the speculation that World No. 2 Novak Djokovic will set foot in the country. Bhupathi chose to be tongue-in-cheek when asked about it.
“I hope he doesn’t play,” he joked.
“Any opponent is difficult in Davis Cup. Once teams come to India anything is possible I feel, so we are looking (forward) to play a home tie,” he said.
The tennis ace also acknowledged Somdev Devvarman’s effort who guided India to its away victory in South Korea.
“It is very exciting. We have not beaten Korea in Korea before. I have been part of many teams that have been to Korea and have come disappointed because it is so hard to beat those guys there,” said Bhupathi. “I think Somdev and the boys did amazingly well and this a chance to play in the World Group.”
His “Indian Express” partner Leander Paes also lauded the recent success of his countrymen.
“Kudos to the boys for a job well done in Korea,” said Paes, expressing his delight at the Indian squad’s accomplishment.
Bhupathi also commented that it is too early to predict the availability of the players against Serbia considering the match will take place at a later stage of the year.
“It is so far away, it’s in September. We don’t know who is playing for them and who is playing for us,” he said.
“Unfortunately, Yuki (Bhambri, India’s other singles player) was injured during the last tie (and missed playing against Korea). Ideally we need to field a full strength team to have a chance to upset one of the powerhouses of tennis. Ideally for us if Novak doesn’t show up I think life could become easier,” he added.
The four time men’s doubles Grand Slam champion also revealed his high expectations for his country when India compete in the 17th September-October Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.
“We have always been a powerhouse when it comes to the Asian Games,” he affirmed.
“I know when I played in Doha (2006) we won all the medals and also in Guangzhou (in 2010), we won all the medals (in tennis). When we go there we are always considered favourites to win a bunch of medals. So I am sure this time also, no matter what kind of team we field, we are always there in contention,” he went on.
However, Bhupathi ignored any questions regarding his International Tennis Premier League which has signed the likes of Rafeal Nadal, Andy Murray and Serena Williams, among others.