Davis cup: Clash of youngsters

India will expect Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar Ramanathan to repeat their recent giant-killing acts against a completely transformed Denis Shapovalov when the team takes on Canada in its fourth straight attempt to qualify for the Davis Cup World Group, from today.

Shapovalov made the world take note of him with his shock win over Rafael Nadal at the Montreal Masters. He then became the youngest player to reach the fourth round of the US Open, only his second Grand Slam.

The 18-year-old and world number 51 Shapovalov also scalped Juan Martin Del Potro and Jo Wilfred Tsonga in his astonishing rise in world tennis in the last few months.

On the other side, India have their hopes hung on the shoulders of Yuki and Ramkumar, who too created a splash by knocking down Gael Monfils and tennis’ latest hot property Dominic Thiem, recently. A lot was expected from the two Indian youngsters since their arrival but injuries to Yuki, ranked 157, and lack of confidence in Ramkumar (ranked 154) has marred their careers.

Of late, both Yuki and Ramkumar have shown encouraging results and thus instill hope that they are capable of pulling off a win over the left-handed Shapovalov. Yuki has matured as player and shown the mental toughness, requisite to sustain pressure of Davis Cup.

In his recent wins, Yuki has also shown that he can control the game and overcome nerves when faced with crunch situations. Ramkumar, with his big serve and ever-improving fitness also gives India confidence.

It is the fourth straight year that Indian team is knocking the World Group door, having lost to Serbia (2014 in Bangalore), Czech Republic (2015 in New Delhi) and Spain (2016, New Delhi) in the Playoffs in last three years.

The indoor courts will also make it a high-intensity tie with India captain Mahesh Bhupathi already admitting that margin of error would be very less. India last played in the World Group in March 2011 when it was crushed 1-4 by defending champions Serbia.