India will host a Davis Cup tie for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the world. The choice of venue is an important aspect of the tie and for that Zeeshan Ali, the coach, is focused on what the composition of his team will be and what surface his players would prefer to play on.
The World Group I play-off contest against Denmark is scheduled for March 4-5.
“We just got to know yesterday (Monday) that we will play Denmark at home. We will first discuss with the players and then choose from the options the AITA (All India Tennis Association) gives us based on the players’ feedback. As far as the Covid-19 protocol goes, I am sure all the major centres in India will follow the guidelines,” Zeeshan told The Telegraph.
“Players like Ramkumar Ramanathan, Yuki Bhambri and Rohan Bopanna prefer a faster surface, while Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Sumit Nagal like slower ones. So after we know who all are fit and available can we take a final call on the venue.”
The only thing Zeeshan is thinking about regarding the Covid-19 protocols is whether spectators will be allowed in.
“There is time till March and the protocols may change. The ITF (International Tennis Federation) and the Davis Cup committee also have their own regulations regarding this now. Of course, as a team, we will want the home crowd cheering our players. But we have to follow whatever rules are in place.
“When we played Finland (in Espoo, on September 17 and 18) there was a sizeable crowd, but when we faced Croatia (in Zagreb in March 2020) we had to play in an empty stadium. I’m sure our players will adjust to the conditions as needed.”
Zeeshan is happy that Yuki Bhambri, one of India’s brightest prospects who had been struggling with injuries for almost two years, is back on the tour.
“I am happy to see Yuki back on court. He is a very important player for us. We also have to see how Sumit is doing post his surgery and how soon he can be back on court,” he said. Nagal underwent a hip surgery in Germany in November this year.
“Ramkumar is back among the top 200, which is great. Prajnesh and Divij Sharan are fit and in decent form. So I feel we can have a good mix once we sit down and pick the squad,” Zeeshan said.
India and Denmark have played each other only twice in the Davis Cup and honours are shared. They last played way back in 1984 when India won 3-2 in Aarhus. Vijay Amritraj had won the first singles while Ramesh Krishnan wrapped up his two singles to win the tie for the visitors. The only other time the two teams faced each other was in 1927 when Denmark whitewashed India 5-0 in the quarter final in Copenhagen.
The 12 winning nations from the 2022 World Group I Play-offs will progress to the World Group I ties while the 12 losing nations will contest the World Group II ties. The World Group I and II ties will all be played on September 16-17 or 17-18.
