Bengaluru lad a contender to play opening singles in the Davis Cup tie against Sweden
PUNE: The Indian Davis Cup team, in Stockholm for the World Group I tie against Sweden on Sep 14-15, had a major fitness concern after Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha hurt his ankle during a practice session.
“We had a bit of a scare. Niki Poonacha fell on the centre court, he sprained his ankle.The physios are working with him, he seems to be doing ok,” captain Rohit Rajpal said from Stockholm on Wednesday. “There was a spot on the centre court where his shoes got stuck and he fell. We taped it (the ankle), just to protect it.
“It happened two days ago. He seems to be better (now), we are going to try him all out today,” Rapal added, clarifying that the Bengaluru-based pro was put through light practice sessions over the past two days.
“It is just a slight strain. He should be alright (in time for the tie).” Poonacha’s fitness is crucial to the Indian team’s chances against Sweden in the absence of the country’s No. 1 singles player Sumit Nagal as well as top doubles player Yuki Bhambri. Although he is a doubles player predominantly, with the surface playing “medium”, Poonacha’s explosive game with big serves could be an asset in singles.
The tie will be played indoors on hard court at the Royal Tennis Hall, which hosts the long-standing Stockholm Open on the ATP Tour. The draw is set for Friday.
“He (Poonacha) is one of the choices, certainly. In Poona (Pune Open ATP Challenger) this year, he beat Sumit (Nagal). So he is definitely one of the guys who can rise to the occasion. He is certainly in the fray,” the captain said of the team’s probable lineup for the opening singles.
On the doubles pairing, Rajpal said: “Our No. 1 combination would be our No. 1 doubles player (Sriram) Balaji and Ramkumar, but it all depends on how things shape up on the first day.” The travelling squad also comprises three new faces – former national champion Siddharth Vishwakarma (aged 29, WR 588), Aryan Shah (18, 637) and reserve player Manas Dhamne (16, 1080). Rajpal ruled out giving any of them their maiden India cap on the opening day of the tie. “We are playing them a lot (in practice sessions), but whether I am going to play them the first day is a big question mark,” he said.
The Swedish team will be spearheaded by former world No. 105 Elias Ymer (now ranked 238) and includes Leo Borg (WR 603), son of legendary Bjorn Borg. Their doubles hopes rest on 30-year-olds Andre Goransson (WR 66) and Filip Bergevi (WR 125).