By IANS
New Delhi : A month before the Davis Cup tie against Japan, Prakash Amritraj was widely seen as the man who generated a controversy that divided the team and dealt a blow to India’s chances to qualify in the World Group play-off.
From the day Amritraj touched the capital for the tie, he kept a low profile. Pressure was immense on him to perform and Amritraj feels Saturday’s was one of his best performances.
“I am very happy and satisfied with my performance,” a jubilant Amritraj said after India beat Japan 3-2.
Amritraj beat Soeda in the second singles match of the opening day in a marathon-five setter. India won the first three matches and took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie.
“This is the best India has ever played in a Davis Cup tie for a long time,” Amritraj said.
India qualified for the World Group play-off for the first time in three years India last qualified for the world group play-off in 2005 where they lost 1-3 to Sweden. Their last appearance in the World Group came in 1998.
The 24-year-old Amritraj sees India having a good chance in the play-off, which would be held in September.
“We have a good chance in the play-off. It also depends on what kind of draw we get. But if turns to be a home tie, then there is nothing like it,” he said.
Asked to comment on the team atmosphere as various controversies shrouded the team, Amritraj chose to play safe. “I would rather let our performance against Japan answer that,” he said.
Amritaj along with Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi last month had refused to play under the captaincy of Leander Paes.
The controversy had its roots in the tie against Uzbekistan in February wherein Amritraj was not picked for the first singles by skipper Paes who said he was down with a stomach illness. Amritraj later said he was fit to play which sparked an ugly row.