‘It will be great to get two wins on the first day’

Rohan Bopanna all praise for positive vibes and the camaraderie in the Indian team

The last time he played singles in Davis Cup, Rohan Bopanna had won in three sets against South Korea’s Chung Hong in a dead fourth rubber at Chandigarh in 2016.

The way he was serving and volleying at the Gymkhana Club on Tuesday, the 41-year-old showed that he can still give anyone a run for their money on grass.

Some of us do remember the big-built Bopanna playing a tie-break in the first set against Roger Federer at Halle on grass in 2006.

He may have been reduced to competing hard in doubles, but the former World No. 3 (in doubles) keeps the interest of the team at heart and guides players sincerely.

When queried about who could be playing singles for India on the opening day against Denmark on March 4, which incidentally is his birthday, Bopanna smiled and said ‘Bopanna and Ramkumar’.

It would not be a bad idea, but captain Rohit Rajpal and the team would make the choice between Yuki Bhambri and Prajnesh Gunneswaran, as No.1 player Ramkumar is likely to be the first choice.

“Get out and watch our top players and be inspired’’, was Bopanna’s message to the Delhi fans, who he rated high for creating a vibrant atmosphere in the Davis Cup arena over the years.