New Delhi, Sep 13: Indian captain Anand Amritraj today hinted that Saketh Myneni could be Leander Paes’ partner for the doubles rubber in the World Group Davis Cup play-off tie, in which he thinks the hosts have a “good chance” to earn a point against the formidable Spain.
Not only India but Spain are also undecided about the doubles combination as the two captains said the pairings would depend on proceedings of the first day.
Amritraj said if Saketh is not drained out completely on the opening day, he could well be fielded on Saturday.
“I am waiting to see end of day one. How long and tough is the first match for Saketh. We have three options,” Amritraj said at the pre-draw press conference where Spicejet was announced as sponsor of the Indian team.
Spanish captain Conchita Martinez also said that outcome of the first day will determine who they field on Saturday.
They have French Open champions Mark and Feliciano Lopez and Rio Olympics gold medallists Mark and Rafael Nadal to choose from.
In a sort of damage control, Amritraj said in hindsight he feels playing in the evening is a good option as he would need Saketh to play on two days in absence of Rohan Bopanna.
“I changed my mind. Now we don’t have Rohan anymore. Saketh has to be ready for two matches. If we had played in the morning, would have been tougher. In hindsight, looks like a good option,” he said as the packed press conference burst into laughter.
The 64-year-old, though, said he still has fitness concerns about his players even though the matches would be played in the evening.
“I am still worried about fitness issues. Just because sun is not beating down at 5pm, it does not mean it is not humid. It’s still tough, even for the Spanish guys as well. In morning, they looked like half dead, Feliciano Lopez I am talking about. In our case, our guy has to be in good shape to give it a best shot,” he said. (PTI)
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