The controversy surrounding Indian tennis should be sorted out quickly for the benefit of the sport in the country, said new Davis Cup coach Zeeshan Ali.
“Nobody is a winner here. Things should be sorted out for the betterment of the sport,” Zeeshan said during his visit to the city on Sunday.
“We had issues at our time but we talked and sorted them out,” he added, referring to the group of 11 revolting players headed by Mahesh Bhupathi.
Zeeshan said he was surprised to know that the group was having issues with his appointment too.
“I have the credentials to be the National coach. I have represented the country at the highest level, and for a considerable period of time.
“I am sure the issue is not about my competence but about some something else,” said Zeeshan.
“I have always been a non-controversial person and never had issues with any player, be it Leander (Paes) or Mahesh (Bhupathi).
“Unless we interact and work with each other, how are things going to happen,” he asked.
Speaking about the preparations for the forthcoming Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I fixture against South Korea at New Delhi, Zeeshan said there was not enough time to make technical alterations.
Great opportunity
“It will be a great opportunity for the players to prove themselves. Motivation will not be an issue here.
“I hope Leander’s experience as well as mine will help the juniors,” Zeeshan said.
“My appointment came very close to the tie. The team is assembling on January 26 and there will be only five days to get ready for the match.
“We cannot do nothing much about technique but can prepare the players mentally for the tie,” he said.
“I have always been tuned to Indian tennis even when I was coaching abroad. I know most of the players’ strengths and weaknesses.
“It is now for them to interact with me,” said Zeeshan, adding that he would always available for the players, especially when the AITA was looking to build a young team for the future.
