By IANS
New Delhi : Uzbekistan Davis Cup captain Denis Istomin said Wednesday his team is confident of giving India a tough fight in the Asia -Oceania Zone Group 1 tie, starting here at the R K Khanna Stadium Friday.
“Our preparation this time is ok and we are ready for the tie. The team is in good shape and we will try our best to win,” Istomin said.
Uzbekistan, who were blanked out last time when they played in Jaipur two years ago, losing 5-0, will be looking to improve on that performance.
“We are more confident now than when we came here last time. We have spent a good time playing on practice courts, though the main court looks different. We will try to play better than the last time,” said Istomin adding that his team is happy with the city ‘s weather, although the Indian food has not gone well with them.
With India having a slight edge on their opponents because of playing on grass, Uzbekistan have come armed with special shoes to play on the surface. While Istomin already has his pair, his other teammates Farrukh Dostov and Vaja Uzakov will have them Thursday.
Asked whether there should be uniform surface for all the Davis Cup matches, Istomin said it would be better if it could be done.
The Uzbekistan captain reiterated his belief that Leander’s absence would benefit his team.
“Leander not being there is not a bad news for us. He is really a good doubles player,” Istomin, who will be pairing with Dustov for the doubles match, said.
Referrring to Leander’s remark, that Uzbekistan stands no chance of winning the doubles, a defiant Istomin said, “We will see on the court.”