BANGALORE, Apr 4: India’s number one singles player Somdev Devvarman will open country’s campaign against Wisnu Adi Nugroho of Indonesia in the Asia/Oceania Group I first round relegation play-off tie, beginning here from tomorrow.
India number two Yuki Bhambri will lock horns against Indonesia number one Christopher Rungkat in the second singles on day one of the tie at Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) Stadium.
On day two, Leander Paes and Sanam Singh will take on David Agung Susanto and Elbert Sie in the doubles rubber.
On the final day of the tie, Rungkat will play Somdev and Wisnu will face Yuki in the reverse singles.
India’s non-playing captain S P Misra said, “It is a good draw and the team expects Somdev will give a good start which will help Yuki gaining confidence going into the second match of day one.”
Paes, the senior-most player in the tie, said, “I believe we got to go out there and execute. I am looking forward to the tie. The team looks fabulous in terms of mix of youth and experience.”
“Somdev is spearhead of our team. To play through another generation is a great joy,” he added.
Somdev said his approach remains same while going into every match.
“I don’t think about who I am facing. Whether he has played against me or not before. I know what I am going to do. Hopefully I will do my best to execute the plan tomorrow and try and get a point to us. My opponent (Wisnu) is obviously young and he is playing Davis Cup because he has something in him,” he said.
Yuki hopes to end the day with a 2-0 lead at the end of day one.
“It is going to be a fresh day. I am looking forward to the match and playing under lights is something new in the Davis Cup,” he said. (PTI)
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