Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) Chennai will host the Davis Cup World Group play-off between India and Brazil September 17-19.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) in a statement Saturday said the decision had been taken after consultations with the players and Davis Cup non-playing captain S.P. Misra.

Misra said the fast hard courts at the SDAT Tennis Stadium will suit the game of their two singles players — Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna.

“Our No.1 player Somdev has performed extremely well there. He reached the final of the Chennai Open last year. The court and the environment suit our players. Even Bopanna’s game suits the fast paced courts there,” Misra told IANS.

With the stadium at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA), a Commonwealth Games venue, supposed to be ready by this month, many were tipping the capital to host the tie. But Misra said with new stadium still having some “teething” problems, Chennai was thought be an ideal venue.

Chennai was also the venue for India’s third round match against Australia last year. But the 28-time champions pulled out citing security concerns, this despite International Tennis Federation rejection of an appeal to move the May tie. India were declared the winner and they went to beat South Africa 4-1 in the Davis Cup World Group-play off at Johannesburg to enter the elite World Group for the first time in 11 years.

They, however, lost 2-3 to Russia in the World Group first round in Moscow.

India and Brazil have met twice so far with a 1-1 head-to-head record.

In 1966, India, comprising Ramanathan Krishnan, Jaideep Mukerjea, Misra, and late Premjit Lall had beaten Brazil 3-2 at Calcutta in the inter-zonal final to reach the Challenge round against Australia.

In 1991, Brazil beat India 4-1 at home.

India have finished runner-up on three occassion, in 1966, 1974 and 1987, but is yet to lift the Cup.

On the other hand, Brazil, after gaining a bye in the opening round, whitewashed Uruguay 5-0 in the Americas Zone Group I second round in Bauru.

Brazil is a two-time semi-finalist, having reached the last four in 1992 and 2000. Prior to the creation of the World Group in 1981, it reached the interzonal final in 1966 and 1971.