Mahesh may not play singles in Davis Cup

Mahesh may not play singles in Davis Cup
Express news service

Bangalore, December 15: Mahesh Bhupathi has decided that he will cut down on the chances of over-straining his shoulder by not playing singles in the Davis Cup over the next season.

Mahesh said playing singles would be a strain on his shouder -- which was operated on a year ago, but has been a problem off and on -- if he had to playeveryday over three days in something as strenuous as the Davis Cup. But he added that he may consider playing if it came down to 2-2 on the third day and the captain asked him.

Davis Cup captain Ramesh Krishnan said that he and Mahesh had talked about this before, so he was prepared for the situation. With the Davis Cup tie coming up against China in China this February, it would look like the All-India Tennis Association would have to do some quick planning and keep their options ready as to who would back up Leander Paes (assuming he plays) as the second singles player. Mahesh had said earlier in the week, however, that he would be playing in the Asia Cup in Delhi next week and would play both singles and doubles. He added that the Asia Cup singles would help him get in some practice for the Gold Flake Open where he would be a singles wild card.

Meanwhile, AITA president and Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha will fly into town tonight for the AITA executive committee meeting tomorrow. AITA secretary Anil Khanna, in town from Delhi, on being asked if there were any plans on the issue of the Davis Cup captain, said: ``Ramesh willcontinue, we have no plans to even discuss the subject.''