Vijay Amritraj, the former Indian tennis legend, emphasized the importance of fielding the best players in the Davis Cup tie against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on Saturday.
According to Amritraj, “Davis Cup is something where you must field your best team, regardless of the opponent. I firmly believe that no circumstance should warrant turning down the opportunity to represent in the Davis Cup.”
India’s team for the tie comprises Ramkumar Ramanathan, Yuki Bhambri, N. Sriram Balaji, Niki Poonacha, and Saketh Myneni. However, Sumit Nagal, India’s top-ranked singles player, has opted out of participation.
Reflecting on the upcoming tie, Amritraj expressed confidence, stating, “Ultimately, we are the stronger team. Even if Ramkumar serves well, it won’t sway the outcome. While Aisam Qureshi and Aqueel Khan are experienced on grass, the format of a two-day event, with best-of-three sets, might tilt the advantage in their favor, especially if the grass conditions aren’t favorable.”
Amritraj also emphasized the significance of the upcoming Chennai Open Challenger for Nagal’s ascent into the top 100 rankings.
“Sumit has a golden opportunity to make a strong push into the semifinals or even the finals. This could swiftly elevate him into the Top 100, granting him access to prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. Once he secures entry into these major events, each victory will solidify his position.
“Breaking into the Top 100 is often more challenging than maintaining it, as the opportunities for earning points expand once you’re there. Thus, events like the Chennai Open Challenger are pivotal for Nagal to capitalize on,” remarked the former India Davis Cup captain.
