India-Uzbek Davis Cup tie in Bengaluru

Mahesh Bhupathi will kick-start his reign as the non-playing captain of India’s Davis Cup team in his home town, with Bengaluru being named as the host for the Asia Oceania Zone Group I tie against Uzbekistan.

The tie will be played at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) courts from April 7-9.“With the current roster of available players for this Davis Cup tie, I’m confident that the surface at the KSLTA will work well for the team,” said Bhupathi.

“The conditions in Bengaluru will be complementary to their big serves, putting them at an advantage as they take on Uzbekistan.”

Govt support
The State government has assured support for the event, according to a KSLTA release.India, who hold a 2-2 record against Uzbekistan, last played in Bengaluru in September 2014 when they lost 2-3 to heavyweights Serbia 2-3 in a World Group play-off tie.

Uzbekistan will be spearheaded by Denis Istomin, who had shocked Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. The winner of the tie will advance to the World Group play-offs, to be held in September.