This story is from July 27, 2015

Rankings don't matter in Davis Cup: Yuki Bhambri

Yuki Bhambri's twin singles victories against New Zealand in the tough away Davis Cup encounter enabled India to re-enter the World Group.
Rankings don't matter in Davis Cup: Yuki Bhambri
Yuki Bhambri's twin singles victories against New Zealand in the tough away Davis Cup encounter enabled India to re-enter the World Group.
NEW DELHI: Yuki Bhambri, 23, was the shining light of Indian tennis earlier this month. His twin singles victories against New Zealand in the tough away Davis Cup encounter was key to the nation re-entering the World Group.
In an e-mail interview, Bhambri (currently in the US) talks about the team's chances against the Czech Republic in the World Group playoff in September and the aches of being a singles player in India.

Excerpts:
How would you rate India's chances against the Czech Republic (winners of 2012 and 2013) in the World Group playoff?
It will be an uphill task for India. All of us will have to play the best we can. Having said that we also know that rankings (Bhambri is ranked 151 right now) don't matter in Davis Cup and we will try to pull off an upset.
When coach Zeeshan Ali says that you played like a top 50 player, it obviously means that you raised your game. What was different in your planning and strategy in these matches?
Those were very kind words from coach Zeeshan. The basic difference of course is that I have been playing tough Challenger level matches since the beginning of this year. Firstly having qualified for the Australian Open main draw (Yuki lost to
Andy Murray in the first round) was an achievement in itself. I have been consciously working on improving my serves and fitness level, so that I can sustain during high pressure and tough situations like the last Davis Cup tie.
You recently said that it's tough being a singles player in India. Would you please elaborate on that?
To be a top ranked player in any sport requires first of all passion, perseverance and patience ­ something that a number of sportspersons are willing to do. All this gets you nowhere near the top, if you can't find corporate sponsors. Since we do not have any top-100 level singles players, one has to train abroad. To do so the expenditure is huge and not feasible for a middle-class family, furthermore one has to participate in 25­30 tournaments in a year to break into the top 100 -again a huge expense. So if the country wants to see Indians do well in sports, it first has to generate funds by way of sponsoring top level players individually . One way could be encouraging each corporate to sponsor a sport and give them tax concessions.
Which, according to you, are the three best wins of your singles career and why?
Since the age of 14 it has been my dream to not only play but win matches for India in Davis Cup. My first match against South Africa was memorable. The Junior Australian Open final as it made me a Junior Grand Slam Champion and world no. 1. And the last Davis Cup tie where I was able to pull off two straight wins for India.
What is your career goal this year?
To be able to stay fit and injury-free for the remaining five months and to be able to push towards a top 100 ATP men’s singles ranking.
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