Yuki was a revelation, says captain Misra
New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Indian Davis Cup captain S.P. Misra said 17-year-old Yuki Bhambri was a revelation during the side’s World Group play-off tie against South Africa which they won 4-1.
The junior Australian Open champion got to play the inconsequential fifth rubber against Izak van der Merwe after Somdev Devvarman gave India an unassailable lead in the tie, winning the first reverse singles Sunday.
Yuki, who played in tie as the fourth member in the absence of injured Leander Paes, rallied from a set down to beat the 25-year-old South African No.2 in a three-setter.
“I had never seen Yuki play before, so he was a revelation to me in the dead rubber. His approach to the game is very impressive. He played a great game to beat Van der Merwe, ” Misra said in the felicitation function organised by All India Tennis Association (AITA) here Monday.
Misra, a former Davis Cupper, credited his singles players for winning the tie that saw India progress to the elite World Group for the first time in 11 years.
“The credit for the win goes to the singles players. We won all our four singles matches. It is after a long time that we have won a tie without winning the doubles. I am proud to be associated with the team,” Misra said.
“When we reached South Africa, we knew it would be a tough tie for us. Leander’s injury gave Yuki a chance to be in the team. I had to decide which singles combination to go for. Since Yuki is playing his first Davis Cup, and didn’t have the experience of playing in a five-setter, I thought it won’t be right to push him,” Misra said.
“We never had any doubt about Somdev. He had a comfortable win in the first singles and that was good enough for Rohan Bopanna to play his game. And he played a great game after being down 0-5 in the first set.”
Yuki said it was a great experience for him.
“I was a little nervous in the beginning and took time to get settled. But I realised that I had no time to lose. The stage brought the best out of me. From the second set, I played better,” he said.
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