‘Anything can happen in sport’ – Yuki Bhambri upbeat as India takes on Casper Ruud’s Norway on the Davis Cup

Following a thumping 4-0 residence win over Denmark on the Davis Cup again in March, India’s subsequent project is towards Norway, led by US Open finalist and World No. 2 Casper Ruud.

Yuki Bhambri, member of India’s contingent in Norway, tells The Indian Express that though the staff has not devised any plans for Ruud, they’re wanting ahead to the chance to tackle one of many world’s greatest.

“It’s hard to develop a strategy for the World No. 2,” he mentioned. “We’re going to try to put some pressure on him, he has just played the US Open final so he may not be 100%. It’s a day of tennis and both will have to perform. Anything can happen in sport.”

Ruud is the spotlight of the occasion, however past him, India will fancy their probabilities within the World Group Stage attract Lillehammer, Norway. India No. 2 Prajnesh Gunneswaran will go head-to-head with Ruud within the opening match of the encounter, following which India No. 1 Ramkumar Ramanathan will fancy his probabilities towards Viktor Durasovic on Friday.

On Saturday, India will look in direction of the doubles staff of Bhambri and Saketh Myneni in what may very well be the decisive matches. Against Denmark on the Gymkhana Club in Delhi, the doubles partnership of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan got here in clutch, and with Bopanna out with harm, Bhambri and Myneni can be hoping to have the same affect this week.

“The team is going to miss Rohan’s experience,” Bhambri mentioned. “Apart from being a great doubles player, he has been a great servant of Indian tennis. His experience counts for a lot so we are definitely going to miss that. But hopefully, Saketh and I can get the job done here.”

Despite an absence of tour-level expertise, Bhambri and Myneni have shaped a formidable partnership this yr on the Challenger circuit. The duo have gained six titles this yr, together with the Mallorca Challenger final month. Their most up-to-date outing was a semifinal end in Cassis, France. Bhambri believes the extent of their present Group Stage 1 draw towards Norway just isn’t a step as much as the Challengers.

“At this stage which India is playing on currently, the level is fairly similar to the events we have won,” he mentioned. “We are fairly confident we should be able to get that point for India. That will be the mindset of anyone who steps on court. We all want to make the best of the opportunity and take Indian tennis forward.”

India vs Norway, Davis Cup Group Stage, kicks off at 9.30 pm IST, dwell on Eurosport.