The New Zealand Davis Cup non-playing captain Marcel Vos said the absence of senior players in the Indian side will be an advantage to them during the September 14-16 Asia-Oceania relegation play-off tie at Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) Stadium.
The New Zealand team comprising four players — Jose Statham, Michael Venus, Artem Sitak, Daniel King Turner and Vos — arrived in Chandigarh on Sunday. The team’s physiotherapist Murray Hing will arrive on Monday.
The visitors have been playing in Bangkok and Vos said the experience will come handy to them. They also had a practice session at the CLTA stadium.
“Some experienced players are missing in the Indian squad and this will prove to be an advantage for us,” Vos said.
“All players in our team have had Davis Cup experience. We have been playing in Bangkok for two weeks and the best thing is that Indian weather conditions are similar. We still have five days to practice before the Davis Cup starts.”
Also to arrive on the day were Indian players Vishnu Vardhan and Sanam Singh. The Indian team also practiced at the stadium. Except Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan, all the Indian players have reached the city. Yuki and Divij were playing in the doubles final of the Shanghai ATP challenger, which they lost 4-6, 4-6 to Thailand’s Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana on Sunday.
Vishnu, who also played in Shanghai, said they have prepared well for the tie.
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