New Delhi: In what will be a David vs Goliath clash, India run into star-studded Spain for a place in the Davis Cup World Group at the RK Khanna Stadium here from Friday.
While Spain are European powerhouse in the game, India have been consistently knocking on the World Group doors. Desperate to return to the elite, Spain captain Conchita Martinez named a strong team with 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, world no. 13 David Ferrer, no. 18 Feliciano Lopez and doubles specialist Marc Lopez, despite being aware that the home team’s top two experienced singles players — Yuki Bhambri and Somdev Devvarman — are out with injury.
To make matters worse for the hosts, Rohan Bopanna also pulled out of the tournament a few days ago.
With young bloods Saketh Myneni (ranked 143rd) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (202nd) shouldering the responsibility in singles, the tie will be an uphill task for the home team. Leander Paes is the most experienced for the hosts and his tips can come handy for the team.
Coming into the tie, India beat Korea 4-1 in the Asia/Oceania Group I contest to reach the playoff stage while Spain beat Romania by an identical margin in the Europe/Africa Group I.
The 28-year-old Myneni had a fruitful US Open outing where he qualified for the main draw and gave a tough fight to Jiri Veseley before cramping up and bowing out of the Grand Slam. He can be the one to watch out for after Paes, but there’s no two ways that Nadal will steal the limelight in this tie.
This is the first time in 51 years that Spain have travelled to India, providing a rare chance for players and fans to experience a top-class unit in action. The last time India and Spain met was in 1965 when the hosts won 3-2.
Nadal will start the proceedings on Day One against Ramkumar while in the second rubber, Myneni will be up against Ferrer. “I’m excited to play one of the best players of all time. We have to keep the first few games close and play some aggressive tennis,” he said.
On Day Two, Paes will combine with Saketh Myneni to face the Lopez duo.
