2019 Davis Cup Qualifiers: “When Davis Cup comes into play ranking is not really a factor,”-Mahesh Bhupathi

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India lost to Serbia in the World Group Playoffs in the 2018 Davis Cup.
India lost to Serbia in the World Group Playoffs in the 2018 Davis Cup.

India’s non-playing captain for the 2019 Davis Cup Qualifiers, Mahesh Bhupathi sounded confident ahead of their much-awaited clash against Italy. Speaking to news agency PTI, the 12-time Grand Slam winner asserted the well-wishers that India would do well against Italy despite their players being ranked higher.

“I think my boys are experienced enough that when Davis Cup comes into play ranking is not really a factor. They have all played at the highest level now, both Ramkumar (Ramantahan) and Prajnesh (Gunneswaran) have played Grand Slams and Tour events.”

Italy have already announced their squad for the tie to be held on February 1 and 2. World No. 13 Fabio Fognini will be missing the tie, but World No. 18 Marco Cecchinato will be present to spearhead the challenge. Andreas Seppi (35), Matteo Berrettini (54), Thomas Fabbiano (102), and doubles world No 88 Simone Bolelli are the other four players in the Italian squad.

However, coach Zeeshan Ali was wary about Italy’s threats and knew that capitalizing on their weakness of not having the best of form in grass could backfire as the Indian players themselves don’t have enough experience in the green surface.

“It won’t be easy for our players also. We haven’t played in grass for a long time.”