The Hindu : Sport : Captains optimistic on eve of the draw

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Thursday, Sep 22, 2005

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Captains optimistic on eve of the draw

Kamesh Srinivasan

THE HEAT IS ON: Sweden's Thomas Johansson succumbed to the rigours of practising under humid conditions on Wednesday. — Photo: S. Subramanium

NEW DELHI: The centre-court looked tailor-made for Leander Paes if not his teammates, but the Swedish captain Mats Wilander suggested that his players would treat it as another grass court and get on with the business in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie to be played at the R. K. Khanna Stadium here from Friday.

The unpredictable low bounce was to the liking of the Indian captain who was, however, unwilling to disclose his combination for the tie, understandably so.

"They have done an excellent job of preparing the court. It has 300 per cent more grass than what it had during the tie in February'', said Leander.

"It is a grass court. The mentality of the tennis players is to expect some bad bounce, even at Wimbledon. The court is same for both the sides,'' said Wilander.

Vinciguerra, who had to be hospitalised following dehydration on Monday, practised hard on the centrecourt this afternoon showing no signs of physical discomfort.

Heat and humidity

Wilander did concede that the task before his team was playing against the heat, humidity and India. He said that there was no big deal playing on the match-court two days in advance, and that his players had even practised in the basement before walking on to the centre-court.

"All our players have been feeling the heat on the second day. Even Thomas Johansson and Simon Aspelin felt it. But they are all fine and ready for the tie. We changed our way of practice in trying to adjust to the conditions'', said the former world No.1.

"It will be a tough match. Don't be surprised if you see excellent tennis," warned Leander as he talked about the former Australian Open champion Johansson and the current world No.1 doubles star, Jonas Bjorkman, who is quite good in singles as well.

Meanwhile, talking about Harsh Mankad and Rohan Bopanna, one of whom would be kept out of the four-member squad when the captain announces the team before the draw ceremony to be done at the Prime Minister's residence on Thursday morning, Leander said that there was not much difference between the two except their style of play.

"Playing at home against the Swedes is a bonus. Hope our team will make full use of the home court advantage,'' said Leander.

Rich experience

The 32-year-old Indian captain stated that he had the advantage of rich experience over his teammates but assured that he would be fair to himself as much as to the team in meeting the responsibility of putting the best guys on court to tackle the seven-time Davis Cup champions.

The Swedish No.1 Johansson had a bout of sickness and was lying on his back after practising with Bjorkman in the evening on the centre court. It was disclosed that he had not slept properly on Wednesday night. If he plays Leander on the opening day, Johansson will have a crafty opponent to contend with, that would be a lot tougher than tackling the high humidity, though the difference in ranking between the two is nearly in four figures.

For sure, Leander can do it one more time. It is his stage, unless he does not feel up to it physically.

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