Indian Davis Cup team may clinch the tie today itself

15 September, 2012

In spite of top Indian players such as Leander and Mahesh not being present in the Davis Cup squad, the Indian youngsters have come up with a good performance, and are close to winning the Davis Cup tie against New Zealand.

THE DAVIS Cup has started on a high note for the Indian team with Yuki Bhambri winning the first singles match against New Zealand’s Daniel King-Turner 3-6, 0-6, 6-2,6-4 and 6-2 in Chandigarh. In the second singles match Vishnu Vardhan also looked in great touch, but was unlucky not to finish the game, due to poor light. Until then, it was the Indian who was leading 6-2, 6-7(5) and 6-4. The match is scheduled to be completed today.

The Indian team looks to be in a comfortable position after yesterday's display. If Vardhan wins his match today, India would lead the tie, 2-0, thereby increasing India's chances of winning the tie. India is also scheduled to play their doubles fixtures today itself, in which Vishnu Vardhan is expected to play. But, this has been put in serious doubts, with Vardhan finishing his match today. So, if Vardhan finishes his singles match in four sets, then Vardhan has a better chance of playing else it is going to be Sanam Singh who would be partnering Divij Sharan.

If everything goes off well, India may well clinch the tie today itself by winning the doubles title along with Vardhan's victory. Their results would only be out by today evening. The Indian doubles pair, irrespective of which two players pair for the match, are sure to give it their all in front of the home crowd who support the Indian team to the core. The Indians would like to use the humid conditions in their favour by playing out long rallies.

If India wins this tie, it would be a great boost for Indian tennis as major stalwarts of the game, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, are not present in the squad. The present Davis Cup players are rather inexperienced, but have shown lots of grit and determination, which augers well for India's tennis future.