India in need of a miracle

What can one do when the best in the world is challenging you at your own backyard and when the fate of the tie seems to have been sealed even before it has begun?

For the Indian Davis Cup team it is certainly not a pretty position but, it will be fair to say, it still has more to gain against the mighty Spain than lose when the battle for World Group begins at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium on Friday.

With no expectations attached, India, as they have been maintaining the whole week, have got nothing to lose. Nor should there be any shame in losing to the superior opponent, provided one has given his all. Captain Anand Amritraj was quick to point this out as nervous grins spread around for 21-year-old Ramanathan Ramkumar on being drawn to play 14-time Grand Slam winner and former World No.1, Rafael Nadal, for the first singles.

“It’s great to for him to have the experience of playing one of the greatest players of all time. He should try to keep it close, if it goes 3-3, 4-4 then the crowd would get involved. He has been practicing with a lefty all week and Ram has the game to do that,” Amritraj said.

The test for No.1 Saketh Myneni, ranked 137, is going to be no less severe when he would take on World No.13 David Ferrer in the second singles. He has also been named the partner of Leander Paes, the two set to face Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez, the 2016 French Open champions. 

“We know we are going into the tie as underdogs, so it takes the pressure off us. It could be an ugly match or a great match, it doesn’t matter. Ferrer is not going to miss a ball. I have to mix up a lot of things and play aggressive tennis,” Saketh said.

“I would love to play with Leander. It all depends on the first day, how long we play.”

Paes added: “I would be playing with a new partner this weekend which is another great motivation. Also to motivate the boys to keep playing their best tennis against Spain."

All through the week, Nadal has been the cynosure. On Thursday, fans whooped in delight at his stunning strokeplay during practice, before clamoring to capture him in their selfies. Many, who would turn up during these three days, wouldn’t even have heard about 203-ranked Ramkumar. An inspired performance from him, though, could go a long way in serving the memory.

Ramkumar said he was excited to play Nadal. “I need to play aggressive tennis and have to go for my shots, no matter what I will play my best with the team behind. With all the support around, I can play well against Rafa.”

Their popular appeal notwithstanding, Spaniards have left everyone awestruck with their work ethic and serious approach to the tie. Their loss to Russia after being up 2-0 in July last, still rankles them. With their best team at disposal here, Spain are not willing to leave anything to chance at the evening tie. Still humidity, they admitted, would be a factor for them. They have slogged on the court, ever since their arrival, to adapt to the conditions.

“May be we have better names and on ranking we are higher but the Indian team knows the conditions well so the home advantage will be with them, so it will be a tough one," said Nadal matter of factly.

"We are used to playing in different conditions but here the humidity is higher than during the seasons. We need to adapt to the conditions and be prepared for the start."

As Nadal wrapped up his training session on Thursday, Ramkumar was among those who watched him train from the sidelines.

How he would rise up to the challenge on Friday, would be decisive for him and India. For history has shown that sport has founds heroes in defeats as well.
DH News Service